Marcos names Aldeguer-Roque as acting DTI secretary

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as acting Trade chief, Malacañang announced on Friday.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Aldeguer-Roque would take over the helm of the DTI following the resignation of Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascal, which took effect August 2, 2024.

On Wednesday, Malacañang announced Pascual’s resignation as he will transition back to the private sector.

“Undersecretary Roque has been instrumental in leading the MSME Development Group within DTI, executing various programs and initiatives focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises,” the PCO said.

“She oversees critical areas including 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,” the Palace added.

The PCO said Roque also manages the operations of the Small Business Corporation and the Cooperative Development Authority.

“Undersecretary Roque holds a B.S. in Industrial Management Engineering, minor in Chemical Engineering, from De La Salle University. She completed her secondary education at De La Salle Santiago Zobel in Alabang and her primary education at Colegio de San Agustin - Makati and De La Salle Santiago Zobel,” it said.

Malacañang said the President cited Roque's dedication and leadership in the MSME sector, making her “an excellent choice for the position.”

Moreover, Marcos has expressed his gratitude to Pascual for his service and contributions to the DTI, “as he looks forward to a seamless transition under Acting Secretary Roque's leadership.”

In May 2022, then President-elect Marcos announced that he had tapped Pascual, a former head of the Management Association of the Philippines and a former president of the University of the Philippines, to be his Trade secretary.

Pascual, in an earlier statement, said his decision to step down as Trade chief came “after much reflection” as he decided to return to the private sector. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News