Message From the Secretary

The Department of Health (DOH) is committed to serving the Filipino people with exceptional and unwavering health services. We stand firm in our dedication to implementing innovative governance strategies that transcend boundaries and cater to the diverse needs of our nation.

Our mission aligns closely with the principles outlined in the 8 Point Action Agenda, kung saan sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga. Through equitable and innovative approaches, we aim to revolutionize the health system, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Join us in our journey as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of every Filipino.

Bionote

The Secretary of Health, Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa was the Undersecretary in the Philippines’ health system from 2010 to 2015. His noteworthy achievements include making healthcare accessible to everyone in achieving Universal Health Care. Upgrading public hospitals through Health Facilities Enhancement Funds and the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and developing the National eHealth Strategic Framework Plan ensuring top-notch information management are the significant projects led by Dr. Herbosa. During the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, he also coordinated foreign medical teams, showcasing his commitment to public health in times of crisis.

Dr. Herbosa, with expertise in Trauma Surgery and Disaster Medicine, pioneered Fellowship programs at the University of the Philippines for Trauma Surgery and the Residency Program in Emergency Medicine. Notably, he has held several international posts as he was a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He established the Center for Research in Emergency Medicine (CREM), and led international efforts, including roles at Johns Hopkins University and the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM). His contributions extend to the World Health Organization’s Safe Surgery initiative.

Dr. Herbosa, a devoted community leader, currently chairs Physicians for Peace, Philippines, and previously served as Vice President of the UP Alumni Association. Among his accolades are the 2011 UPAA Distinguished Award for Public Service, the 2013 UPAA Distinguished Service Award, and the 2012 Rotary International D3780 Rotary Golden Wheel Award. As Executive Vice President of the University of the Philippines System from 2017 to 2021, he achieved notable milestones, including hosting international conferences, strengthening ties with Southern Taiwan University, advancing research on Road Safety, and establishing the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team for nationwide employee safety.

Presently, he serves as a crucial advisor to the Philippines’ National Task Force Against COVID-19. He holds positions as a professor specializing in Emergency Medicine and Trauma Surgery at UP-PGH, and as faculty at the National Telehealth Center at UP Manila, contributing significantly to healthcare education and pandemic response efforts.

100 DAYS OF TEDIcation

In the realm of public service, the first 100 days of any official’s tenure are often seen as a crucial period that sets the tone for their entire tenure. It is a period of assessment, reflection, and the initiation of impactful actions. Such has been the case with Teodoro J. Herbosa, affectionately known as Doc Ted or more recently as Sec Ted, during his first 100 days as the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) under the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr. Appointed on June 6, 2023, Secretary Ted’s extensive experience in the public service sector, coupled with his background as a doctor, laid a solid foundation for his transformative leadership.

Secretary Ted was no newcomer to the public service arena, having previously served as an undersecretary for the DOH and as the head of the COVID-19 National Task Force. These roles showcased his dedication to the well-being of our kababayans and positioned him as an invaluable asset to the administration. With a commitment to public health that goes beyond mere duty, Secretary Ted’s leadership radiates authenticity and empathy.

One of Secretary Ted’s defining characteristics is his unwavering dedication to a more humanistic approach to regulatory policies. In a move that sent ripples through the health sector, he introduced policies aimed at making regulations more approachable and adaptable to the needs of all stakeholders involved. His perspective stands in stark contrast to the rigid, overly stringent approach that has often hindered the efficacy of public services. One striking example of this approach is his fervent commitment to the full implementation of the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

During his first flag ceremony at the DOH Central Office, Secretary Ted underscored the essence of the Universal Health Care Act, emphasizing that while medical services may not be entirely free, they should be accessible and affordable to all. This commitment struck a chord with Filipinos from all walks of life. He pledged that no individual would be forced to sell their homes or sacrifice their livelihoods due to medical procedures—a testament to his genuine concern for the well-being of every Juan and Juana, including the most vulnerable and unfortunate.

In his first 100 days, Secretary Ted seamlessly aligned his efforts with an 8-Point Action Agenda guided by the principles of Universal Health Care. “Bawat Pilipino, Ramdam ang Kalusugan” encapsulates the core of his mission, focusing on ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of their socio-economic status. Recognizing that healthcare accessibility is a critical aspect of human development, Secretary Ted’s commitment extends to supporting local chief executives in addressing the health needs of their constituents.

One monumental stride during these initial days was Secretary Ted’s unwavering support for the healthcare workforce. In a move that inspired optimism among hospital care workers, he advocated for reasonable compensation and improved benefits. With his guidance, the Health Emergency Allowance became a reality, acknowledging the tireless efforts of those who served on the frontlines during the tumultuous pandemic. This not only recognized their sacrifices but also illuminated a path towards a future where health inequalities are rectified.

Central to Secretary Ted’s philosophy is the principle of “No One Gets Left Behind.” This principle resounds throughout his 8-Point Action Agenda, seamlessly intertwined with his 100 days in public service:

As Secretary Ted embarks on this journey of leadership, his determination to execute this agenda is palpable. The past 100 days stand as a testament to his dedication and hard work. Yet, he recognizes that hope is not a stand-alone virtue—it must be accompanied by action. Action, in turn, must be driven by a compassionate heart. It’s this combination of hope, action, and heart that defines Secretary Ted’s leadership style.

While the journey is still long and challenging, Teodoro J. Herbosa’s first 100 days in public service have laid the foundation for a transformative era in the Department of Health. His commitment to accessible healthcare for all, coupled with his empathy-driven approach, holds the promise of a healthier, more resilient Philippines. These 100 days are not a mere milestone but a stepping stone, leading us toward a future where the health and well-being of every Filipino, even the most vulnerable, are cherished and upheld.

The journey has only just begun and the path ahead is illuminated with the promise of a brighter, healthier future for the nation. With a compassionate heart as his guide, he transforms hope into tangible progress, touching lives through his unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare, humanistic approach, and inclusive leadership. As this first milestone reaches into the next path of service oriented goals, it merely marks the beginning of an enduring legacy, a testament to the profound impact that his leadership will continue to have on the lives of countless Filipinos.