NDC chief resigns, plans return to private sector

The head of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) investment arm on Friday announced his resignation, thus ending his stint of just a little over two years.

In a statement sent to the Inquirer, National Development Co. (NDC) general manager Antonilo DC Mauricio said that he would be returning to the private sector following the transition by Nov. 30.

Appointed in October 2022, Mauricio has over 32 years of experience in the investment and finance sectors.

READ: NDC invests in pioneering biotech firm

Under Mauricio’s leadership, criteria for NDC investments were institutionalized, requiring those to be pioneering, developmental, sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.

“This will enable the NDC to become a major contributor to the country’s development, befitting its status as the oldest government company and the state investment arm,” Mauricio said.

The NDC has also more than doubled its projects, according to the outgoing official, the most notable of which are the revitalized startup venture fund, Philippine E-Commerce Platform, the first vaccine manufacturing plant in the country, and the establishment of the Philippine Innovation Hub, home of the Philippine AI Resource Initiative.

He said that the NDC has also maintained its ISO-certification by TUV-SUD on five quality management systems under his term, ensuring global standards on equity investment, project financing, asset management, fund management, and support services.

Moreover, the NDC also launched the Philippine Artificial Intelligence (AI) Resource Initiative (PAIR) during his term, an initiative aimed at scanning all the global and local AI efforts and mapping out the Philippine AI strategy.

As the chairman and president of the LIDE Management Corporation (LMC) managing the NDC’s 425-hectare industrial park in Leyte, Mauricio executed progressive policies, including the establishment of kennels for spaying, neutering, vaccinating and caring for stray animals in the area, including dogs, cats, and goats.

Before his term at the NDC, Mauricio served as the country head for two global finance companies, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and Thomson Ratings Philippines, which is now known as Fitch Ratings).

He was also the director for business development with Mitchell Madison Group Global Management Consulting.

Prior to this, he was with Urban Bank, Jardine Land, and ICC Telecoms.

As a banker, management consultant, and financial adviser, he covered a broad range of sectors including the capital markets, credit ratings, investment banking and stock brokerage, agriculture, engineering, information and communications technology, property, and telecommunications. —Alden M. Monzon