Puyat to head BSP’s regional operations, financial inclusion advocacies as deputy gov

Outgoing Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat will lead the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP's) regional operations and oversee its financial inclusion advocacies as the incoming deputy governor of the central bank.

Puyat was the fifth deputy governor of the BSP to be named, joining the roster of deputy governors who are in charge of specific sectors — Francisco Dakila Jr. for monetary and economics, Chuchi Fonacier for financial supervision, Eduardo Bobier for corporate services, and Mamerto Tangonan for payments and currency management.

In a Friday statement, the BSP said the outgoing Department of Tourism chief will assume office on June 6, 2022.

“Sec. Romulo-Puyat will be assigned to oversee the Program Management Office for the new BSP complex in New Clark City, the central bank's regional operations, and its advocacies on financial inclusion and economic and financial learning, among others,” the central bank said.

“She will also be assigned as Vice Chairperson of the Philippine International Convention Center Board of Directors, and as an alternate of the Governor to select governing boards, including the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, Agricultural Credit Policy Council, and National Food Authority,” it added.

Meanwhile, Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco will replace Puyat as tourism secretary under the incoming Marcos administration.

“I am honored to assume this role entrusted to me by the Monetary Board, led by BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno," said Puyat.

"As a trained economist, I look forward to serving as BSP Deputy Governor, not just as the next chapter in my career but, more importantly, as an opportunity to serve the Filipino people once again," she added.

Puyat has been the DOT secretary since 2018.

Prior to her current post, Puyat was the undersecretary for administration, agribusiness and marketing, and regional engagement at the Department of Agriculture under the Duterte administration.

She succeeded Wanda Teo, who resigned over conflict of interest amid allegations in connection with the controversial P60-million ad placement on her brother’s program on state-run PTV.

Puyat has been in public service since the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, where she served as a consultant under the Presidential Management Staff.

A daughter of former Senator Alberto Romulo, Puyat had also served as Agriculture undersecretary for special concerns under the late President Benigno Aquino III.

She graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Economics and also finished a Masters Degree in Economics at the same university. — DVM, GMA News