Ted Herbosa takes oath as new health secretary

MANILA, Philippines — Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa took his oath of office as the new health secretary before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

According to the Department of Health (DOH) in a statement, Herbosa pledged to usher in universal healthcare in the country by strengthening health sector strategy interventions and implementing healthcare reforms.

“The DOH family welcomes this development, as this is crucial in the Department’s operations. With this transition, the DOH ensures that the healthcare services will remain unhampered,” the DOH said.

To recall, the Presidential Communications Office on Monday announced Herbosa’s appointment simultaneously with Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.’s appointment as defense chief.

Herbosa served as DOH undersecretary from 2010 to 2015 and also held the positions of former undersecretary and concurrent regional director at the DOH-National Capital Regional Office.

He also served as special adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic, providing projections, analyses, and recommendations for the government regarding the deadly virus.

Herbosa also served as vice president of the University of the Philippines before resigning days after receiving backlash due to a remark involving community pantries — a nationwide public movement providing free basic needs including food, rice, and vegetables to those in need during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, the DOH in a separate statement welcomed Herbosa, committing to provide all-out support during this transition.

“Maasahan po ng ating bagong kalihim, Secretary Ted, ang taos pusong suporta ng buong DOH family (Our new secretary, Secretary Ted, can count on the wholehearted support of the entire DOH family),” said USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire, who served as the officer-in-charge prior to Herbosa’s appointment.

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