Pascual appointment hailed as good news for MSMEs

Alfredo Pascual

The appointment of Alfredo “Fred” Pascual as the new head of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) bodes well for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), said Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion.

“President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made an excellent choice in appointing Pascual as his DTI chief. This is a testament of his commitment to support MSMEs,” Concepcion said.

Pascual currently heads the business group Management Association of the Philippines.

“With Fred as secretary, there will be continuity in programs and policies that help and support MSMEs in the country especially now that we are on our way toward economic recovery,” said Concepcion, who founded Go Negosyo.

Longtime supporter

Concepcion said Pascual was a longtime supporter of Go Negosyo, where he was a regular mentor and resource speaker.

The adviser also said that Pascual backed several proposals of Go Negosyo, such as reopening the economy and increasing the mobility of vaccinated individuals.

“Pascual is assured of full support from Go Negosyo, especially his plans and programs for MSMEs,” Concepcion said.

Concepcion the Kapatid Mentor Me Program, a partnership between the DTI and Go Negosyo, which he said produced almost 12,000 small business owner graduates all over the country over the past six years.

Concepcion also thanked outgoing Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez for heading the agency. Prior to joining DTI, Lopez was a top official in the Concepcion-led RFM Corp.

“Lopez’s leadership helped businesses bear the brunt of various challenges, particularly during the pandemic. We thank him for his service,” Concepcion said.