DTI names fresh agency officials

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque has appointed two new top officials of its attached agencies, National Development Company (NDC) and Intellectual Property Rights of the Philippines, following the resignation and expiration of their tenure.

Saturnino “Ning” Mejia was sworn in as the new director general of NDC after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named him to replace the resigned NDC-GM Antonilo DC Mauricio.

Mejia is an organic employee of the NDC and served as the NDC’s assistant general manager of the special projects group for 25 years.

He had overseen functions related to developing new businesses in a joint venture with NDC via equity investments.

The special projects group is responsible for project evaluation, due diligence, and detailed analysis of various projects’ viability, technical feasibility, and economic and social desirability.

With extensive experience in joint ventures, corporate finance, project evaluation and management, feasibility studies, public-private partnerships, and macroeconomic analysis, Mejia helped promote investments in areas such as renewable energy, industrial estate development, and health and technology innovations.

IPOPHL’s new OIC

Meanwhile, IPOPHL, on Thursday, announced the designation of deputy director general for Policy, Legal, and External Relations Nathaniel Arevalo as OIC.

The designation, issued through Department Order 25-02, comes following the end of the term of former Director General Rowel Barba effective 31 December 2024.

As OIC, Arevalo is directed to manage all functions, activities and operations of IPOPHL and promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of objectives, policies, plans, programs, and projects of IPOPHL under the law.

“IPOPHL’s thrust for quality public service will be sustained in this interim as we await the new Director General. Stakeholders can expect zero disruptions and the resumption of goals to improve the efficiency of our processes and the effective implementation of our programs and policies,” Arevalo said.