Makati City, August 16, 2024 — In a warm and modest gathering at the Shakespeare Room of Discovery Primea Hotel on Ayala Avenue, leaders and representatives from various industry associations came together to welcome The Honorable Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, the newly-appointed Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The reception, organized just 10 days after Aldeguer-Roque assumed her new role, served as an introduction and a show of solidarity from the Philippine manufacturing sector, which has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
The Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI) was notably represented by its President Reggie Yu (Times Paint) and Director for Trade and Industry Avon Martin (Getz Philippines), signaling the association's strong support for the new DTI leadership.
Roberto "Bobby" Batungbacal, formerly from Dow Philippines and now Executive Director of the Makati Business Club and the evening’s emcee, set the tone with a brief introduction of the distinguished industry associations in attendance.
The reception was made more colorful with remarks from Ben Yao, Chairman of SteelAsia, who reiterated the collective commitment of the industry to work closely with the new DTI leadership in achieving these ambitious goals. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in Secretary Aldeguer-Roque's ability to steer the sector towards a prosperous future.
A moment of appreciation was dedicated to the outgoing Secretary Fred Pascual, who was unable to attend yet was recognized by Dan Lachica, President of Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI). Lachica expressed gratitude for Secretary Pascual's contributions, particularly in steering the sector through challenging times, and wished him well in his future endeavors.
DTI Undersecretary Fita Aldaba provided a fitting introduction to the guest of honor, DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque. Aldaba highlighted Aldeguer-Roque's extensive experience as the former CEO and president of the Kamiseta Group of Companies, where she successfully launched the iconic clothing brand Kamiseta over 30 years ago. Her business acumen and visionary leadership were touted as vital assets that would guide her in her new role as the country's trade chief.
In her keynote speech, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque expressed her deep gratitude for the warm reception and her excitement about leading the DTI at a critical juncture for the Philippine economy. "As the acting secretary entrusted with the mission to support and elevate the dynamic manufacturing sector of our nation, I am committed to driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing significantly to our GDP," she stated.
Secretary Aldeguer-Roque outlined her vision for the manufacturing sector, aligning it with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s "Tatak Pinoy" industrialization policy. She introduced six strategic actions to propel the sector forward: 1. Embracing Industry 4.0 to increase the share of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)-intensive sectors in GDP.
2. Promoting innovation among MSMEs and startups.
3. Integrating industry development, trade, and investment efforts.
4. Creating an enabling economic environment to attract more investments.
5. Up-skilling and re-skilling the workforce by enhancing STI and research capabilities, upgrading education curricula, and improving skills training programs.
6. Advancing regional industrialization through innovation and the use of essential technologies for the development of regional industries.
"Let us build a stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable manufacturing sector — one that is a source of pride for every Filipino and a driving force in our nation's economic development," she concluded, her words resonating with optimism and determination. As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the Philippine manufacturing sector stood united in its support for Secretary Aldeguer-Roque, ready to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation under her leadership.
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