From the 2022 The Outstanding Thomasian ALumni Awards

A proud graduate of UST High School, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez exemplified his alma mater’s core values as he continues to advocate and initiate government programs to empower the youth and aspiring entrepreneurs and underprivileged sectors, including PWDs, women, and out-of-school youths.

His solid professional economic, trade and industry development career in the government led to his appointment as the DTI Secretary. Under his helm, the department focused on the development of the micro, small, and medium (MSME) sector. He led the Ease of Doing Business – Anti-Red Tape Authority Council, pushed for an Inclusive Innovative Industrialization Strategy, and worked on major reforms for stronger investment inflows like the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investment Act, and Public Service Act.

Secretary Lopez has received several awards during his term such as the 2016 Nation Builders Award for Government Service, Philippine Innovation Man of the Year Award 2017, President Duterte’s Order of Sikatuna, and People Asia’s 2020 People of the Year.