NEW DOH CHIEF. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa waves the DOH flag during the flag-raising ceremony at the agency's office in Manila on Monday (June 19, 2023). Herbosa, in his speech, vowed to continue the good governance and to process reforms implemented by Vergeire. (Photo courtesy of DOH)
MANILA – Newly appointed Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has formally assumed his post on Monday.
During Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire handed over to Herbosa the agency’s banner.
The turnover rites coincided with the DOH’s 125th anniversary.
Herbosa, in his speech, vowed to continue the good governance and to process reforms implemented by Vergeire.
He also underscored his eight-point action agenda to fully realize the Universal Health Care Act -- good health for all Filipinos; safe, quality and caring services; technology for quick healthcare services; crisis preparedness; disease prevention; emotional and mental health; rights and welfare of healthcare workers and protection against pandemic.
Citing that the DOH’s approach was “very regulatory,” Herbosa said he plans to implement the eight-point action agenda in a “humanistic” approach where the public’s welfare is prioritized.
“I know they want it to be regulatory to promote good governance and prevent corruption. But I think we should also not forget that there is a human side in health,” he said. "And the way we deliver and govern should be humanistic, makatao (humane)."
Moreover, Herbosa said his administration would work on higher pay for healthcare workers.
“Better recognition and a clear upward career mobility pathway of local government and health staff towards the DOH," he added.
Meanwhile, Vergeire has requested to be transferred to an office in the department that oversees strategic operations.
"Not to head undersecretaries but to become the strategic office for [operations] para lang mas mapalakas natin ang ops ng DOH at mas makita natin ano pa ang kakulangan sa ground (to strengthen the DOH ops and to see what is lacking on the ground)," she added.
She declined to provide a self-assessment of her leadership, saying the public knows that “they have done their best to push the objectives of the DOH and the current administration. (PNA)
