The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed last Wednesday, February 1 the ad interim appointment of former University of the Philippines (UP) President Alfredo Pascual as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Pascual was bypassed by the CA twice last year.
CA Committee on Trade and Industry Chair Iloilo Representative Ferjenel Biron said he is confident of Pascual’s ability to lead the DTI “to a vigorous and progressive future in line with this administration’s socioeconomic goals.”
“After thorough investigation and inquiry, Mr. Pascual has demonstrated that his integrity is intact. He is amiable, cultured, dependable, and highly principled,” Biron said in his sponsorship speech.
“His competence to discharge the duties of the Secretary of the [DTI] is best measured through his academic prowess, substantial work experience, and achievements as he held high-ranking positions and performed significant roles,” he added.
CA Vice Chairman Ramon Guico Jr. considers Pascual to be a “well-rounded individual.”
“His education and experience as a banker, financial expert, and educator will help him deliver his priority plans to fulfill the primary mandates of the DTI in creating jobs, supporting businesses, and protecting consumers,” Guico said.
CA member and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda joined her colleagues in endorsing Pascual’s confirmation.
“I am confident that the kind of leadership that [Pascual] possesses is what we need to address the overwhelming challenges our trade and industry face today,” Legarda said.
“Nourished by his expertise and wealth of experience relevant to the mandate of the DTI, [Pascual’s] fitness for the position is unquestionable,” she added.
Pascual was UP President from 2011 to 2017. His term focused on research and extension initiatives, financial sustainability, and infrastructure modernization. Prior to his presidency, Pascual was UP Alumni Regent from 2009 to 2010.
The DTI said Pascual’s main priorities are micro, small, and medium enterprises; digital transformation; ease of doing business; export industries; and consumer welfare.