CA confirms appointments of DOH's Herbosa, DA's Laurel

The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday confirmed the ad interim appointments of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Senator Bong Go, chairperson of the CA Committee on Health, sponsored the approval of Herbosa’s appointment as secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) and cited the latter’s contribution to public health and the academe.

Go noted Herbosa’s educational background in trauma surgery and his experience as academician, particularly in the University of the Philippines’ Department of Surgery.

In his sponsorship speech, the senator also acknowledged Herbosa’s contribution to the World Health Organization’s surgical safety checklist and his experience as DOH undersecretary in the previous administrations.

“Almost 127 years after the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, here we are faced by a candidate who is not just prominent because of his ancestry but definitely well qualified with his credentials and experience to be the right person as a secretary of Health,” Go said.

“We have before us a surgeon, crisis management expert, professor, and experienced public officer,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia sponsored the confirmation of Laurel’s appointment as overall head of the Department of Agriculture (DA) during the bicameral commission’s plenary session, citing the latter’s “wealth of experience” in the private sector, which showed his “genuine grasp of complexity within the agriculture and fishery sector.”

“Indeed, Secretary Laurel’s leadership in this diverse agriculture and fishing enterprise has equipped him with full competency and effectiveness that will help him bring about positive transformations as well as growth and sustainability of the agriculture and fishery sector,” he said.

Garcia also vouched for Laurel’s dedication in serving the public as the DA chief accepted the call to serve the public instead of staying in the comfort of his companies.

“In responding to the call of the president of the Philippines to leave a private life within an established company to take a demanding role as secretary of Agriculture, Secretary Laurel has exhibited a selfless dedication that extends beyond personal comfort. His acceptance of this role is not nearly an obligation; it is a demonstration of his genuine support and love to our people and his deep-seated concern to the well-being of our farmers and fisherfolks,” Garcia said.

“This act of sacrifice conveys a great deal about Secretary Laurel’s character and underscores his preparedness to navigate the challenges inherent in pub service making the right person to spearhead the Department of Agriculture with grace and foresight,” he added.

Garcia also acknowledged Laurel’s plans and commitment to address agricultural smuggling and hoarding, as well as his proposal to institutionalize accurate data collection from agricultural production that could h help in coming up with an informed decision. —KBK, GMA Integrated News