2 CESOs named as Cabinet Members of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte

Two Career Executive Service Officers (CESOs) have been named members of the Cabinet of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Former science Undersecretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña, CESO I, will now head the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) while Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, CESO II, will be promoted to Secretary once Duterte assumes office on June 30.

In an interview of the incoming science chief with the Philippine News Agency, Dela Peña said that his top priorities will be on research and development to address pressing concerns on health, agriculture and the process industries. This is in line with Duterte’s priority programs wanting ordinary citizens to feel the services of the government.

Dela Peña cited that he will prioritize programs that will hasten development in the regions, as well as science and technology policies that will push sustainable growth.

These include expanding the reach of DOST services in the regions, particularly in the underprivileged sectors; helping scholars be able to serve the country and utilize their services; and increasing utilization of facilities, research outputs and human expertise to push for growth and development.

Dela Peña served as former Undersecretary for science and technology services of the DOST prior to his retirement in 2014. He continued working as professional lecturer at the University of the Philippine where he finished his BS Chemical Engineering degree.

He also headed the National Research Council of the Philippines as its President from 2002 to 2007. In 2005, he was conferred the Gawad CES Presidential Award.

Meanwhile, incoming health Secretary Paulyn Ubial handles the DOH’s Office of Health Regulations since 2008. She rose from the ranks from being City Health Officer in 1990, Medical Specialist from 1991 to 1998, Medical Officer from 1998 to 2000, Director from 2000 to 2008 until she became Assistant Secretary in the same year.

Ubial, who hails from M’lang, North Cotabato, is also known to be an expert in maternal, neonatal and child health programs.

Among the other significant positions she held were: Head of the Polio Eradication Unit; Founding Program Manager of Sentrong Sigla Movement; Founding Program Manager of Women’s Health and Development; Gender and Development Focal Person of DOH; Steering Committee Chair of the Red Orchid Awards (the Search for 100% Tobacco-Free Environment for Local Government Units (LGUs), Government Organizations (GOs) and Government Hospitals; Head of Task Force for Performance Governance System and Social Dialogue; Vice Chair of Integrity Management Committee; and Permanent and Alternate Representative of DOH to various Inter-Agency Committees. (PNA)