MANILA, Philippines — Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced on Thursday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Health (DOH).
“Si Dr. Rosario Vergeire has been designated as OIC of the Department of Health. Siya currently yung undersecretary for public health services ng DOH.”
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles
According to Memorandum Circular No. 1, effective June 30, If Marcos does not appoint a health secretary by July 31, Vergeire’s term as OIC of the department may be prolonged.
“Ine-expect natin na kung wala pang naitatalagang pinuno ang DOH before that time ay ie-extend ang pagka-OIC. Titingnan natin kung ano ang mangyayari during that time,” Cruz-Angeles said in a press briefing.
(We expect that her role as OIC will be extended if no one is designated as DOH chief before that time. We’ll have to wait and see what happens throughout that period.)
Cruz-Angeles, however, did not mention whether or not President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. already had someone in mind to occupy the office of health secretary.
Meanwhile, the DOH thanked Marcos for Vergeire’s designation.
“DOH appreciates the President’s confidence in one of its career executives, including the immense responsibility such trust brings.”
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
“Each and every member of the DOH family shall work together to continue the gains instituted by previous administrations. We look forward to continuing our recovery from the pandemic and working towards universal health care for all Filipinos,” DOH added.
Vergeire also expressed gratitude to the chief executive for the appointment.
“Maraming salamat po sa ating Pangulo at sa bayan para sa pagkakataong ito na maglingkod. Agarang hangarin po naming lahat sa Kagawaran na paigtingin ang pagbakuna, mapigilan ang pagdami ng kaso ng COVID, at mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga health workers.”
Maria Rosario Vergeire DOH officer-in-charge
(Thank you very much to our President and the people for this opportunity to serve. We all in the Department immediately want to intensify vaccination, prevent an increase in COVID cases, and safeguard the welfare of health workers.)
“Patuloy po tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang sector. Wala pong maliwan, lahat
tayo magkakasama patungo sa universal health care,” she added.
(We will continue to collaborate with many sectors. No one will be left behind; we will be together towards universal health care.)
Vergeire is the current spokesperson for the DOH during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.