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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Garin on new DOH chief Pujalte: 'Professional, competent'

Garin on new DOH chief Pujalte: 'Professional, competent'

Published Jul 13, 2026 06:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Janette Garin praised new DOH chief Jose Brittanio "Brix" Pujalte Jr. for his competence and commitment to public service.
  • She expressed confidence Pujalte's leadership will restore trust in the DOH and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
  • Garin assures support for his reforms, noting their shared stand against hospital privatization as he replaces Ted Herbosa.
Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (left), DOH Secretary Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. (PPAB, PTV)
Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (left), DOH Secretary Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. (PPAB, PTV)


House Deputy Speaker Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin has nothing but good things to say about Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr., the newly-appointed Department of Health (DOH) secretary.
"I warmly congratulate Secretary Brix Pujalte on his appointment. I have worked with him before, and I have seen firsthand his professionalism, competence, and genuine commitment to public service," Garin said on Monday, July 13.
Garin, herself a former DOH secretary and a doctor by profession, expressed optimism that Pujalte's leadership will help restore public confidence in the DOH and further strengthen the delivery of healthcare services across the country.
According to her, she and Pujalte shared the same advocacy in protecting the country's government specialty hospitals from privatization.
"We fought together to keep our specialty hospitals public because we firmly believed that quality specialized healthcare should remain accessible to every Filipino, particularly the poor who depend on government health institutions."
Garin said the appointment comes at a crucial time for the agency.
"The DOH has gone through many challenges over the past years. Various issues have inevitably weighed down the institution and affected public confidence.
"I am optimistic that Secretary Pujalte's leadership will help advance President Marcos' health priorities by strengthening primary healthcare, improving public health services, and ensuring that the benefits of government health programs are felt by every Filipino, particularly those in underserved communities," she said.
Garin was also confident that Pujalte's extensive experience in hospital administration, public health, and the academe prepared him well to lead the DOH at this juncture.
"I look forward to a more proactive DOH—one that is responsive to the needs of our communities and ensures that quality health services are genuinely felt at the grassroots," she said.
Garin also underscored the importance of close collaboration between the DOH, Congress, local government units (LGUs), healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act and improve the country's health system.
She concluded by assuring the new DOH secretary of her support in pursuing reforms that will benefit the country's healthcare system.
Pujalte replaced the resigned Ted Herbosa as the agency's head honcho.

Related Tags

DOH Janette Garin Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. Ted Herbosa
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