Concepcion on new trade chief: No better person to lead DTI but Roque

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion with new DTI acting chief Cristina Aldeguer-Roque. | Photo from Go Negosyo

MANILA, Philippines — Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion on Friday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the correct choice in appointing Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as the new acting chief of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

READ: Marcos names Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as acting DTI chief

Concepcion made the pronouncement after Malacañang earlier announced that Roque will be replacing former Trade Sec. Alfredo Pascual after he resigned.

“The President could not have picked a better person to lead the DTI,” said Concepcion in a statement.

“During her time as Undersecretary for the (DTI’s) MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprise) Development Group, she has proven to be a strong ally of the MSMEs, assisting in whatever way she can in pushing for policies that can benefit this critical sector of our economy,” he added.

Concepcion then underscored Roque’s background as a successful entrepreneur, which would allow her to “bring private sector perspective to the DTI,” all while ensuring the “continuity to programs that have already been set in place.”

He also recognized Roque as the only other woman to lead the DTI, after Lillia Bautista in 1992.

“This is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said.

Concepcion then expressed thanks to Pascual for his service to MSMEs.

“Going by how Fred Pascual’s stint at the DTI did so much for the Filipino MSMEs, I think we can look forward to a more vibrant and dynamic MSME sector under Cris Roque’s watch,” he said.

Roque effectively replaced Pascual, who resigned to return to the private sector and spend time with his family.