Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced in a press briefing held Thursday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. had named the Department of Health’s (DOH) Officer-in-Charge and nominated Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) General Manager.

Marcos appointed Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire as the DOH OIC after her serving as the DOH Undersecretary for Public Health Services Team. Vergeire was also tapped to head the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) last June.

In a statement, DOH welcomed Vergeire’s designation and said it looked forward to continuing the country’s recovery from the pandemic.

“[The] DOH appreciates the President’s confidence in one of its career executives, including the immense responsibility such trust brings,” the DOH said in a statement. 

“Each and every member of the DOH family shall work together to continue the gains instituted by previous administrations,” the statement continued.

Marcos also nominated former Light Rail Transit Authority administration Mel Robles to be the general manager of PCSO. Robles, Cruz-Angeles said, has been recognized for his key role in making LRTA “profitable.” 

Malacañang has yet to issue copies of the appointment papers of Vergeire and Robles.