Manila: The Commission on Appointments (CA) approved on Wednesday the ad interim appointment of Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). During the deliberation of her appointment, Roque emphasized the department’s active role in promoting international trade and foreign investments to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Roque highlighted the progress made during her first three months in office, focusing on the importance of international trade and foreign investments. She stated, “In the last three months since assuming the role, we have been active in promoting international trade and foreign investments. This is crucial for the growth of our economy and provides more jobs for our people. The more jobs we have for them, the more they can come home to be with their family.”
Roque underscored the significance of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, which constitutes 99.5 perc
ent of businesses and 60 percent of the workforce. She stressed the need for government support to ensure their development. “In all my international engagements, I make it a priority to do both: the large-scale investments as well as finding potential market for MSMEs that are qualified to compete with the global arena,” she added.
As part of her agenda, Roque promised to focus on digitalization, diversification, and franchising to help MSMEs compete on a global scale. Additionally, she assured the public that consumer protection and fair trade would be maintained through rigorous monitoring efforts by the department.
Before her current position, Roque had a rich background as a small entrepreneur, which provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the MSME sector. She also held a position as DTI Undersecretary for MSME development prior to her appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as acting trade chief.
In support of her appointment, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go praised
Roque as a fitting candidate for the role, citing her dedication and integrity demonstrated throughout her extensive career in the executive branch. Senator Joel Villanueva also encouraged Roque to collaborate with the education sector, particularly with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). He emphasized the importance of training workers in addition to attracting investors.
Villanueva stated, “If there are investors and we don’t have human resources that are competent to be part of the company, nothing significant will happen. I think, secretary, you need to double your efforts on attracting foreign investors and finding new markets for our MSMEs to drive economic growth and create job opportunities for our people, which is the advocacy closest to my heart.”
Additionally, the CA also approved the ad interim appointments of 22 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 21 foreign service officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
