By Irma Isip

The Department of Trade and Industry  will continue to build programs that will support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Cristina Roque,  DTI acting secretary, in a statement  emphasized the need to focus on initiatives that empower the MSMEs, the backbone of the country’s economy and which  compose 99.59 percent of all enterprises in the country and employ   60 percent of workforce.

Roque  also highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to achieve sustainable economic growth and inclusive development.

Prior to this appointment,  Roque served as the DTI undersecretary for barely six months.

As lead for the MSME Development Group, Roque managed the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Bureau of Marketing Development and Promotions, the OTOP (One Town, One Product Program Management Office, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office. She also oversaw the operations of the Small Business Corporation and the Cooperative Development Authority.