By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire will serve as the next head of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC), according to a Health official.
In the June 22 Laging Handa briefing, current NVOC Chairperson Myrna Cabotaje said Vergeire will serve as the Incident Manager of NVOC under the administration of president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Huwag po sila mag-alala, ang papalit sa amin na aalis na ay kasing galing, kung hindi man mas magagaling,” Cabotaje said.
“Ang magti-takeover po ng ating National Vaccination Operations Center ay si Usec. Vergeire, kasi siya po ang maiiwan dito sa Department of Health,” she added.
Vergeire will be succeeding the post of Cabotaje who ends her term June 30.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, DOH clarified that it was current Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who assigned the post to Vergeire.
“In pursuit to the continuing response and efforts of the DOH for the COVID-19 Vaccination Program and in line with the new administration, succession is crucial to avoid gaps in the implementation of the current efforts of DOH,” DOH said.
“The Department, including Usec. Vergeire will welcome the guidance and decisions of the incoming administration as regards the leadership of NVOC.” – gb
