Makati City, Philippines––During a turnover ceremony on 02 August 2024, Undersecretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque officially assumed the role of Acting Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The event marked the transition of leadership from outgoing DTI Secretary Fred Pascual who served the Department for two years.

In her inaugural address, DTI Acting Secretary Roque outlined her vision for the Department, emphasizing initiatives that empower the backbone of the country’s economy––the local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The acting trade chief also highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to achieve sustainable economic growth and inclusive development.

“I am very much thankful to Secretary Fred for his support as I take my new role as Acting Secretary of the DTI. We will continue to build programs that will support MSMEs which compose 99.59% of our business and also employ around 60% of our country’s workforce,” Acting Secretary Roque said.

Meanwhile, in his farewell speech, outgoing DTI Secretary Pascual thanked the entire Department for their support during his tenure. He expressed his confidence in Acting Secretary Roque effectively leading the Department in its ongoing efforts to drive the country’s robust economic growth and development.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the entire Department as we worked on programs that complement President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas. I am confident that under the leadership of Acting Secretary Roque, the DTI will continue to push forward programs that will empower businesses and consumers,” said outgoing Secretary Pascual.

Prior to being appointed as acting chief of the DTI, Acting Secretary Roque served as the DTI undersecretary for the MSME Development Group. As undersecretary, she managed the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Bureau of Marketing Development and Promotions, the OTOP Program Management Office, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office. She also oversaw the operations of the Small Business Corporation, Cooperative Development Authority and the Philippine Trade Training Center.

The turnover ceremony concluded with a symbolic exchange of the DTI flag, signifying the official transfer of responsibility.

Date of release: 03 August 2024

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