The Department of Health (DOH) said it has already arranged a transition plan for its next secretary.
“Nakapaggawa na po kami ng transition plan... Mayroon na po kaming listahan at mga briefers na ieendorso para sa ating bagong Secretary of Health kapag siya po ay nag-assume na ng position (We have already prepared a transition plan... We already have a list and briefers to endorse for our new Secretary of Health once he assumes the position),” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday, June 29.
“So, need not worry. But, of course, it would also be advantageous to all of us kung makikilala na namin siya at makakausap na bago mag-start ang July 1 (if we get to know him before the start of July 1). But if in any case, as I’ve said, we are here prepared to support the new Secretary kapag nag-assume na po siya ng posisyon (once he assumes the position),” she added.
President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to announce the person who will lead the state health agency.
In a statement, the DOH said it is still awaiting “further advice and instructions from the Office of the Executive Secretary as to the Head of Agency upon transition into the new administration.”
Meanwhile, Vergeire also agreed with outgoing Health Secretary Francisco Duque III that the next DOH chief should already have experience in the country’s Covid-19 response.
“Kasi malaking bahagi pa rin ng priorities natin ang pagsugpo at saka ang pagpapatuloy ng mga response natin sa Covid-19 (Addressing and continuing our efforts against Covid-19 is still a big part of our priorities),” said Vergeire.
“Pero sa isang banda kailangan din ito pong papasok na (Also, the incoming) Secretary of Health should be able to have that comprehensive understanding of public health,” she added.
“Iyon po ay napakaimportante dahil po aside from Covid-19 ay ang dami pa ho nating ibang public health issues na kailangang harapin (That is important because aside from Covid-19, we have many other public health issues that need to be addressed),” she furthered.