PCID hails CA, optimistic with Pascual’s DTI confirmation

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) hailed the appointment of Alfredo Pascual as the new Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary.

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Pascual to head the said agency.

After two years of lockdown, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy President Amina Razul said that Pascual will be essential for economic growth as he heads the DTI.

“Secretary Pascual’s confirmation on Trade and Industry is essential as the Philippines is getting out of the problem, [we had] two years of lockdown and slow down of the economy,” Razul said.

“We really need on-hands on board on the economy… him being confirmed is excellent,” she added.

Being a member of the boards of the Philippine corporations, Razul said that Pascual has seen the problems and needs of the private sector, which she is hoping will be addressed.

Meanwhile, she is also hopeful that Pascual will support the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for them to have more investors.

“My only hope is that as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, he will also give some priority into supporting the requirements of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao,” Razul said.

“Although autonomous, without the support of the national government, it’s going to be very difficult for the BARMM leadership to really keep moving in terms of attracting investments, developing the private sector, supporting agribusiness so we do need Secretary Pascual to pay attention to the needs of the BARMM,” she added.

A group of business leaders expressed confidence in the appointment of Pascual to champion the transformation of Philippine industries in the coming years.

“We continue to believe that his well known visionary leadership, outstanding credentials, and solid experience in the fields of education, business, and finance make him the best person to steer DTI towards being a major catalyst of job creation, economic transformation, and post-pandemic growth,” the group said.