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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mercado says PBBM's directives top priority as he takes DOH helm

Mercado says PBBM's directives top priority as he takes DOH helm

Published Aug 11, 2026 01:27 pm

At A Glance

  • * Newly appointed DOH Secretary Mercado said carrying out President Marcos' directives is his immediate priority as he takes the helm of the health department.
  • * Mercado said he will meet with newly appointed PhilHealth President and CEO Ho to discuss their shared priorities.
  • * Mercado welcomed Ho's appointment and thanked Marcos for his continued trust, while also thanking Pujalte for his service as health secretary.
(PHOTO: PCO)
(PHOTO: PCO)
Newly appointed Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado said on Tuesday, Aug. 11, that his immediate priority is to ensure that the agency is fully aligned and ready to carry out President Marcos’ directives.
“The President’s directives are clear, and our immediate priority is to ensure that we are fully aligned and ready to carry out his instructions,” Mercado said in a statement.
According to Mercado, he would first meet with newly appointed Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho to discuss their shared priorities.
“I will first meet with Dr. Bev to discuss our shared priorities. We will provide further updates once we have settled into our new roles,” he said.
President Marcos appointed Mercado as the new DOH chief following the resignation of Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte.
Mercado previously served as PhilHealth president and CEO before his appointment to the health department.
Ho, meanwhile, was named as Mercado’s successor at the state health insurer.
Mercado welcomed Ho’s appointment, describing her as a seasoned public health expert who began her career at PhilHealth.
“She is a seasoned public health expert that started her career in PhilHealth, and we are excited to have her back - this time at its helm,” Mercado said.
Likewise, Mercado expressed gratitude to the Chief Executive for his appointment.
“I am grateful to the President for his continued trust in me,” he said.
He also thanked Pujalte for his service as health secretary.
“I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Jose ‘Brix’ Pujalte for his dedicated service and wish him continued success in his future pursuits,” Mercado said.
On Aug. 10, Marcos named Mercado as the new DOH chief, succeeding Pujalte.
Pujalte was appointed to lead the health department in July after Teodoro Herbosa left the post.

Related Tags

Edwin Mercado DOH Department of Health President Marcos PBBM directives healthcare policy public health
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