House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin has expressed her strong support for the appointment of Dr. Jose Brittanio “Brix” Pujalte Jr. as the new chief of the Department of Health (DOH), voicing confidence in his capacity to uplift the nation’s medical system.
Garin, herself a medical doctor and a former health secretary, highlighted her past professional relationship with Pujalte, praising his integrity and work ethic.
”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.
The lawmaker noted that Pujalte’s leadership arrives at a crucial moment for the agency, which has navigated numerous hurdles that have impacted its reputation.
”The DOH has gone through many challenges over the past years. Various issues have inevitably weighed down the institution and affected public confidence.”
Reflecting on their previous collaborations, Garin recalled their joint efforts to resist the privatization of public specialty hospitals to ensure that advanced medical treatments remain within reach for marginalized citizens.
”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 remains hopeful that the newly appointed secretary, who replaces Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, will successfully steer the DOH toward fulfilling the healthcare objectives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., specifically by reinforcing grassroots services.
”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.
Pointing to Pujalte’s extensive background in academic medicine, public health, and hospital management, Garin emphasized that his expertise will be vital in creating a more agile and community-focused department.
”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.
To conclude, the congresswoman called for closer cooperation between lawmakers, local governments, and medical professionals to fully realize the goals of the Universal Health Care Act, while pledging her full cooperation to Pujalte’s upcoming health sector reforms.