Variety learned that Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has verbally appointed Deputy Secretary Sixto K. Igisomar as the acting department head.
Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan confirmed that Ada resigned from his post “per his personal desire to pursue other opportunities.”
Ada was the deputy of then-Commerce Secretary James Santos who had to resign after being convicted with his wife and then-Lt. Gov. Timothy Villagomez on corruption charges.
The administration, Demapan said, is grateful and indebted to Ada “for his immense contributions during his tenure” as deputy secretary and secretary of Commerce.
He said Ada was a tremendous asset and was instrumental in ensuring that the commonwealth maximized its acquisition and utilization of infused funding through the ARRA.
Demapan said Ada is also credited for the re-opening the Small Business Development Center.
Ada likewise served as the banking and insurance commissioner and ensured all banking and insurance regulations were observed and complied with both locally and at the national level, Demapan said.
“He has served the commonwealth well and for that, the administration is very much grateful,” Demapan said.
