BDO Unibank Inc. on Monday said former trade secretary Alfredo Pascual had been elected as independent director effective Aug. 31, 2024.

Pascual served as trade secretary from June 2022 to August 2024 and is credited for playing a crucial role in helping the country attain robust economic growth.

Prior to his appointment as trade secretary, he was president of the Management Association of the Philippines.

"His visionary leadership in higher education earned him widespread recognition, including honorary doctorates from UP and four other universities," BDO said in its filing with the local bourse, referring to the University of the Philippines.

In 2017, Pascual was lead independent director of SM Investment Corp.

He also held independent director positions on the boards of Saavedra-led Megawide Construction Corp. and Concepcion Industrial.

Pascual served as president and chief executive officer of the Institute of Corporate Directors and trustee at the Institute for Solidarity in Asia board.

The former trade chief served as the 20th president of the UP System from 2011 until 2017 and co-chair of the university's board of regents.