Marcos appoints Aldeguer-Roque as acting DTI secretary

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as the acting secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on August 2 following Alfredo Pascual's resignation.

Aldeguer-Roque, who has been instrumental in leading the MSME Development Group within DTI, was sworn into office by President Marcos at Malacañan Palace, taking over key bureaus including the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development and OTOP Program Management Office.

President Marcos highlighted Roque's leadership in the MSME sector, noting her qualifications for the position after Pascual's departure to return to the private sector.

During her appointment announcement, Roque emphasized the importance of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) to elevate the competitiveness and income levels of MSMEs in the Philippines.

Roque also outlined a five-point strategy focusing on digitalization, diversification, and accessible funding for MSMEs to ensure sustainable economic growth.