Region 1 - News | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

DTI-REGION 1 NEWS

DTI commends top MSMEs and development partners in 2025 Presidential Awards

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognized the success of top Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and development partners at the 2025 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs and Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners, held at Heroes Hall, Malacañang Palace. Led by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin

President Marcos Jr. secures GMR Group’s commitment for Sangley, regional airports upgrades

New Delhi, India—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has secured a firm commitment from Indian infrastructure giant GMR Group to proceed with the development of the Sangley Aerocity and the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA), and to explore significant upgrades for key regional airports across the Philippines. This development signals a strong

2nd batch of KMME-MME online rolls out for CALABARZON MSMEs

To further empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the CALABARZON region, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 4-A, in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) – Go Negosyo, successfully launched the 2nd batch of the 2025 Kapatid Mentor ME – Money and Market Encounter (KMME-MME)

DTI intensifies price monitoring of basic goods; assures public there’s enough supplies

DTI warns public against substandard and uncertified products

San Fernando City, La Union- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) La Union destroyed P400,000 worth of substandard, uncertified and non-conforming products at the City Sanitary Landfill last October 11, 2019. DTI Region 1 Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan together with Assistant Regional Director Daria R Mingaracal and DTI La Union

DTI Region 1 tightens monitoring on steel bars

DTI-1 OIC Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan along with OIC Provincial Director Merlie D. Membrere led the Monitoring and Enforcement Team at San Fernando City, La Union. San Fernando City, La Union- The Department of Trade and Industry Region 1 (DTI-1) thru the Consumer Protection Division Teams of the Regional and Provincial

DTI Region 1 welcomes new OIC Regional Director

San Fernando City, La Union- The Department of Trade and Industry Region 1 (DTI-1) welcomed its new Head. Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan assumed her post as OIC RegionalDirector of DTI-1 effective 1 July 2019.In a simple turnover ceremony, Dir. Daria R. Mingaracal,who served as OIC Regional Director for almost six months,

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#bles”]Blesila A. Lantayona[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary and Supervising Head
Regional Operations Group (ROG)

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Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona is the Supervising Head of the Regional Operations Group (ROG). As member of the Department of Trade and Industry Executive Committee headed by DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, she is expected to contribute among others, to policy formulation in the development of the country’s MSME sector, trade and industry particularly bringing to core the regional/provincial viewpoints.

Under her supervision are some of the key bureaus and offices at the Head Office including the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), the Bureau of Market Development Promotions & OTOP (BMDPO), the DTI-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office, and the Negosyo Center Program Management Office. She supervises as well the Department’s 17- Regional and 81- Provincial Offices ensuring that the policies, programs and projects of DTI are understood and effectively implemented at the local level where our offices serve as the face of DTI, providing critical frontline services to its customers as they personify the agency’s core values of Passion, Integrity, Creativity, Competence, Synergy, and Love of Country.

Prior to her appointment as Undersecretary, Usec. Lantayona held various technical and managerial positions within the Department. She started in DTI Region XI (Davao Region) as technical staff, then moved up as Provincial Director of DTI- Davao Del Sur and Assistant Regional Director of DTI Region XI. She was eventually promoted to Regional Director in DTI Region III (Central Luzon) and Assistant Secretary of the DTI- Regional Operations Group based at the Head Office.

From 2019 to 2023, she was designated as Acting Chairman of the Small Business Corporation, Ex- Officio Board Member of the Cooperative Development Authority, Board Member of the Philippine Guarantee Corporation and the DTI GAD Focal. In 2023, Usec. Lantayona served as the Chairperson of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSME (ACCMSME), a body comprised of high-level representatives from ASEAN Member States tasked to formulate policies, programs and activities on SME development and reports to the Senior Economic Officials Meeting under the mandate of the ASEAN Economic Ministers.

She also served briefly as Chief of Staff at the Office of the DTI Secretary under the leadership of Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque. Recently, Usec. Lantayona was

designated as the Supervising Undersecretary of the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, a value chain-based and market-driven initiative of the DTI, funded by IFAD.

Usec. Lantayona holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, Major in Economics (Cum Laude) from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City; and an MBA in International Business from the European School of Management (Ecole Europeene des Affaires) in Paris, France as scholar of the EU-ASEAN Scholarship Program.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#ablan”]Atty. Michel Kristian R. Ablan[/su_lightbox]

Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head
Management Services Group (MSG)

Department Legislative Liaison Officer
Liaison Office for Legislative Affairs (LOLA)

[su_lightbox_content id=”#ablan”]
Kristian Ablan is a career public servant, having been in government service for 18 years. He currently holds the post of Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head of the Management Services Group.

Prior to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
Mr. Ablan was undersecretary for administration at the Department of Education (DepEd), and assistant secretary and undersecretary at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

His other government stints were at the Commission
on Elections (COMELEC), Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP Center), Provincial Government of llocos Norte, and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

Mr. Ablan concurrently serves as alternate director at the National Development Company (NDC), and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE).

Kris is a lawyer by profession, and holds degrees from Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, the University of Auckland, and the National Defense College of the Philippines. Kris holds the rank of CESO I and is a 2021 Presidential Career Executive Service awardee for his work in freedom of information (FOl). [/su_lightbox_content]

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#roque”]Ma. Cristina A. Roque[/su_lightbox]

Secretary
Department of Trade and Industry

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Ma. Cristina A. Roque currently serves as the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), where she is responsible for advising the President on trade and investment matters, establishing policies, supervising departmental activities, and ensuring effective operations across all DTI offices and attached agencies.

Ms. Roque’s leadership is characterized by her unwavering commitment to the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their essential role in the Philippine economy. Her extensive experience in government and a 30-year entrepreneurial career uniquely position her to lead projects that foster a more inclusive and prosperous business environment for all Filipinos.

Before becoming the Secretary, Ms. Roque made significant contributions as Trade Undersecretary from February to July 2024. She led the MSME Development Group (MDG) and was instrumental in advancing MSMEs through various initiatives. She also managed key bureaus, including the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) and the Bureau of Marketing Development and Promotions (BMDPO), as well as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program Management Office and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office (CARP-PMO). In addition, she supervised the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

Ms. Roque introduced groundbreaking initiatives like the OTOP Retail and Learning Center, transforming OTOP hubs and Go Lokal stores into dynamic spaces that blend retail with mentorship. She is a champion of the DTI’s 5-Point MSME Agenda that advances digitalization, market diversification, enhanced access to financing, franchising, and a strong focus on mentorship and training. Her efforts are reshaping the MSME landscape, driving innovation and creating more export opportunities for the Philippine market.

Expanding market opportunities for local MSMEs, Ms. Roque pushed for digitalization and e- commerce in the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair and Trade Fair in 2024. She also launched the first-ever Beauty Fair organized by the DTI, offering new support and opportunities for MSMEs in the beauty and wellness sector.

As Chairperson of the Small Business Corporation, Ms. Roque implemented new policies to make SBCorp’s financing programs more accessible and beneficial for MSMEs. She also launched the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, the country’s largest B2B e-commerce platform, which promotes Filipino MSMEs’ products and services both locally and globally.

Looking ahead, she plans to establish more SME hubs through the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers and in close collaboration with our Embassies worldwide. These hubs will serve as platforms to showcase and market Filipino products to international audiences, thereby stimulating the manufacturing sector and contributing to job creation.

Ms. Roque holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management Engineering with a minor in Chemical Engineering from De La Salle University.[/su_lightbox_content]

Portrait of ASec. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#nylah”]Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, MBA[/su_lightbox]

Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head
Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG)

Supervising Head
Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM)

Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP)

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)

Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)

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ASec. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista brings over 15 years of expertise in commercial retail management, operational strategy, and stakeholder relations. As a former executive of Ayala Land and the Ayala Malls Group, she led transformative initiatives that enhanced foot traffic, optimized operational expenses, and drove sustained revenue growth across multiple commercial centers and malls. Her strategic approach to tenant relations and marketing consistently exceeded annual sales targets.

An advocate for sustainability and innovation, ASec. Bautista spearheaded redevelopment and renovation projects that enhanced customer experiences while driving overall revenue growth. Known for her organized, results-oriented leadership style, she thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments, delivering measurable outcomes with a focus on excellence.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from De La Salle University Manila and a master’s degree in business administration from Ateneo Regis, Rockwell. Dedicated to public service, ASec. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista combines her professional expertise with a commitment to fostering a balanced and active lifestyle.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#uvero”]Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero[/su_lightbox]

Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head
Fair Trade Group (FTG)

Supervising Head
Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP)

[su_lightbox_content id=”#uvero”]

Agaton Uvero is currently an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in charge of the Fair Trade Group as well as the Supervising Head of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP). He has previously worked in various capacities in the House of Representatives, Senate, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Finance (DOF).

Early in his career, he worked as an international trade manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers before setting up a consulting partnership which specializes in international trade, logistics and supply chain. He has provided advisory services and training for many of the Top 1000 corporations, multinational firms, professional and industry associations and business chambers.

He has worked on various technical assistance programs funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and USAID. In 2017, he authored the book “Understanding International Trade, Tariffs and Customs”. A lawyer and a licensed customs broker, he has degrees in Philosophy and Law (Juris Doctor) from UP Diliman and is an alumnus of East West Center (New Generation Program). He is a lecturer at the UP Law Center and Ateneo School of Law (MCLE Program) on topics such as international trade, tariff and customs.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#gepty”]Atty. Allan B. Gepty[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
International Trade Group (ITG)

Supervising Head
Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC)

[su_lightbox_content id=”#gepty”]
Allan B. Gepty is the Undersecretary for International Trade Policy Group (ITPG) at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) where he supervises the Bureau of International Trade Relations, Bureau of Import Services, and the Strategic Trade Management Office. From December 2018 to November 2023, he was the Assistant Secretary of the DTI’s Industry Development and Trade Policy Group (IDTPG) where his main portfolio was on trade policy and trade negotiations at the bilateral, regional and multilateral level. He is the country’s Senior Economic Official at the ASEAN.

He also served as the country’s chief trade negotiator in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, considered as the largest free trade deal in the world. Prior to his appointment at the DTI, he was a Commissioner of the Philippine Tariff Commission. From 2010 to 2017, he served as Deputy Director General of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines, and from January 2015 to October 2015 as its OIC- Director General. As such, he represented the country at the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He is a lawyer by profession with diverse experience in international trade, intellectual property, public international law, commercial law, and litigation.

He is a Senior Fellow in Public Service at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at The Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He finished his law degree from the San Beda College, Manila in 1997, and his Master of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2016. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce major in Economics from the same university, where he graduated Cum Laude in 1992. He is a member of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Sub Committee for the Revision of the Rules of Procedure for Intellectual Property Rights Cases. He is an active member of the Academe at the College of Law and Graduate School of Law. He is an author of a book, Intellectual Property Law Compendium. He is a recipient of many awards including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and the Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela for Government Service both in 2023. He is a reserved officer of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with the rank of Major.
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Address

[su_gmap address=”Metro House Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave Makati Metro Manila” responsive=”yes”]
2F Metro House Bldg. 345 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City

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Accomplishing the Impossible: The Arts and Crafts Company of Alexandro Condat

Every day, we see a growing number of entrepreneurs taking the leap and starting their own businesses. For many, this
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Beating the odds: How Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative Roasted the Perfect Blend for Victory

Every community has a unique story to tell, and each story is made up of countless individual tales of hardship

Balik Pinas, Balik Uma: Gerry Paglinawan’s Journey from OFW to Agripreneur

For years, Gerry Paglinawan thought that being an OFW would improve his life. Little did he know that the fortune
C

Chocolate Champions: Tirso and Rosana Lisbos’ Cacao Conquest

Keeping a tradition alive can be difficult, but Tirso and Rosana Lisbos from Surigao del Norte found a way to
D

Davie to the Rescue: Maco’s Femme Power

Empowerment through entrepreneurship is not a new idea. What’s different about this initiative, though? It gives people the freedom and
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Empowering the Community: How JCS Beatus Trading Evolved to Focus on Local Products and Skilled Workers

"When asked why she decided to start a small beadwork company in 2010, Cynthia Chuidian Medina simply answered: “We want
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Fabricating Fortune: Regina Madio’s Handwoven Accomplishments

Regina Madio is a perfect example of how turning inspiration into action can create success. Regina, the owner and founder

Flourishing with Food Fusion: How Glenn Villacin Combined Cultures to Suit the Filipino Palate

For Chef Glenn Villacin of Iligan City, food is not just a means to satisfy hunger. It’s also something that
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Gloom to Bloom: The Healthy Pursuit of Green Thumb Farm and Al Fresco Restaurant

Rona Denque of Corella, Bohol never thought that one day she would be handling pots and bags instead of papers
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Hopeless to Hopeful: Sweet Moh Bakeshop’s Persistence During the Pandemic

Zamboanga City is a province in the southern Philippines severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses were forced to
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Inclusive Enterprise: Carmelita Rejano-Reyes becomes Marinduque’s Modern-day Good Samaritan

How do you keep a business afloat during one of the most difficult times in our history while extending a
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Juicy Outcome: Young Owner of BcDc Agricultural Products becomes a Role Model for MSMEs

When we were young, our parents usually asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. While most

Journey to Prosperity: The Jedidiah Food Industry’s Story

It’s not often that you hear a success story about a business that started in jail, but Jedidiah Food Company
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Keep Educating Yourself: Sandria Cadusale’s Side Hustle Come Full-Time Business

Who says that you cannot attend to your studies while earning money on the side? Sandria Cadusale did it effortlessly
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Lean to Lucrative: Prime Innov8’s Thriving Legend

Celia Pajel was once a successful career woman, but she gave it all up to be with her family in
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Melting Failure to Forge Success: The Story of MELTS Bakeshop

What does it take to succeed in business? Ask MELTS Bakeshop, and they will tell you that it takes a
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No Veggies Left Behind: The Heroic Adventures of KTCM Enterprise

When we were young, our parents told us not to waste the food on our table. But imagine seeing mountains
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Online Presence: How Improving His Social Media Activity Helped Arnold Lasay’s Business

Their food also says much about them as they have the ideal combination of toughness and calmness to confront any
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Padayon! How Mama Da’s Legacy Combined Tradition with Fashion

What do you do when you and your community face challenges that threaten to hinder your progress? You don’t stop

Prospering through Online Promotion: Binuhat Arts & Crafts’ Woven Triumph

When the world is crumbling down, it’s the entrepreneurs who pick themselves up and rebuild. Lynn Sheryl Reasol is one
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Quintissential Creations: Rolling the Mat for Basey Association for Native Industry Growth (BANIG)

All seemed a lost cause until the Basey Narrative Industry for Growth (BANIG) was formed. BANIG is a federation of
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Road to Fame: Adjie Dajac’s All-Terrain Sandals Weathers the Pandemic

The pandemic brought a lot of changes to the way we live our lives. Businesses had to close down, people
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Seamless Triumph: How the SAMAPA Producers Cooperative Reached Success One Stitch at a Time

What do you do when your business venture fails? Do you quit? For Veronica “Vicky” C. Tejido, quitting is definitely

Sweet Success: The Story of JBM Food Products’ Premium Goal

A family-owned establishment, JBM Food Products has always been concerned with the well-being of its staff and the people they
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Thriving with Tasty Treats: Golden Treats’ Gold Standard of Entrepreneurship

They say that gold is the metal of kings. But for Joahna and Lester Delfin, the owners of Golden Treats,
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Unwavering Determination: Health 100 & 101Restoreants’ Invigorating Achievement Unwavering Determination:

It’s not easy to be a pioneer. When Igorot restaurateur Elmer Macalingay decided to open a vegetarian restaurant in Baguio
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Victorius Designs: The Evolution of Marianito Jojo Vito’s Art Pieces

Marianito “Jojo” Vito is not your average jack-of-all-trades. He is a teacher, blogger, plantito, and artist-slash-entrepreneur. His business — Vito’s

Valuing Loyalty: Estela Robles-Villareal’s Commitment to Her Employees

In a world where businesses come and go, one bakery has managed to stand the test of time and crisis.
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Work from Home: Mori Creation’s Unique Impact

In these uncertain times, many people are working from home for the first time. For some, this is a new
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X-Factor of the YAMmy Ube Cake: Julieto Mendoza’s Secrets to Prevailing through the Pandemic

Julieto ‘Oyos’ Mendoza knew that he had to act fast when the pandemic hit. His business, Purple Yam Homemade Cakes
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Yardstick of Sustainable Fashion: The Rise of MUSA Fabric from a Simple Project to an International Brand

Who would’ve thought that a graduation project would become an opportunity to shed light on someone else’s life? Gleizl Joy
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Zealous Mission: Rem Herceda’s Revival of a Family Business

In the Philippines, calamansi juice is a staple beverage. It is refreshing and flavorful, and it’s packed with Vitamin C

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#Sunico”]Jose Edgardo G. Sunico[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
Communications Group (CG)

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Ed Sunico currently serves as the Undersecretary for Communications at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In his capacity, he develops and implements strategic communication initiatives to promote the department’s policies and projects, enhancing the public image and reputation of DTI.

Since taking office, Usec. Ed Sunico has developed and executed the 1-DTI’s Communications Framework, guiding all departmental communications and aligning DTI’s leadership agenda with the country’s revitalized vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.

Undersecretary Sunico concurrently sits as a Member of the Board of Governors of the Board of Investments (BOI), the country’s primary industry development arm and lead investment promotion agency (IPA).

Prior to his current roles, Undersecretary Ed had an extensive career at Unilever, where he led the Communications and Corporate Affairs function across Southeast Asia. He was instrumental in positioning Unilever as a leader in sustainable business practices, driving growth, and fostering a purpose-led corporate culture.

Undersecretary Ed holds an MBA and a BS in Architecture from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was recognized as a University of the Philippines Distinguished Alumnus Awardee for Corporate Social Responsibility in 2023, highlighting his significant contributions to both corporate and public sectors.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#pacheco”]Mary Jean T. Pacheco[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG)

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A highly motivated, dedicated Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) with significant contribution and experience in public sector management, specifically in planning, monitoring & evaluation, performance management, public administration, and public policy formulation. As a CESO, USEC Pacheco is a 2015 CES VIP (Very Innovative Person 2015) awardee for introducing innovation and institutionalizing good governance initiatives in the DTI and a Gawad CES nominee in 2023. Last 2021, she participated the Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellowship in Singapore and became a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow. Lastly, on 2022, she received two significant awards from her alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas. First is the Commerce Outstanding Alumni 2022 by the College of Commerce Alumni Foundation (Cocafi) in the field of government service as a graduate the UST College of Commerce and Business Administration. Second as one Of the Most Distinguished Thomasian Alumna conferred by the UST Alumni Association and nominated by PMT/CAT alumni association. And just recently, she was an awardee of Institute for Solidarity of Asia’s (ISA) 2024 College of Fellows as champion and leader of governance reform.

Appointed last December 6, 2023 as DTI Undersecretary, Usec Pacheco now manages the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG).

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#nograles”]Atty. Amanda Marie F. Nograles[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
Consumer Affairs and Legal Services Group (CLG)

[su_lightbox_content id=”nograles”]

Atty. Amanda Marie F. Nograles is the Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head of the Consumer Protection Group of the Department of Trade and Industry. Prior to DTI, she was also the Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs of the Department of Education.

Atty. Amanda graduated with second honors from Ateneo Law School. After taking the bar, she worked at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & delos Angeles and thereafter at Nograles Law Offices.

She graduated from Ateneo de Manila, magna cum laude with a degree in Management Economics. She is set to complete her Masters in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines by June 2024.
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	USD 2,269,859M
Total Trade (2015)

	628,937.3
Population (in thousand, 2015)

	USD 2,431,969M
GDP (current prices, 2015)

	10 ASEAN members
Members