DAVAO CITY — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has chosen the people who will lead the Health, Tourism and Trade departments.
Newly appointed deputy presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella announced Duterte’s choices for the three agencies Monday night through state-run television station PTV-4.
Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Ubial will be promoted to secretary once Duterte assumes office on June 30. Ubial handles the Department of Health's Office for Health Regulations.
Meanwhile, Wanda Corazon Teo, the owner of Mt. Apo Travel & Tours, has been named Department of Tourism secretary.
Teo is a sister of journalist Ramon Tulfo and serves as the president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, which describes itself as the “biggest and the largest travel association in the country.”
Businessman Ramon Lopez will serve as secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. Lopez is the executive secretary of Go Negosyo, a non-stock, non-profit organization that seeks to promote entrepreneurship in the country.
Duterte has previously admitted having difficulties convincing people to join the government due to the low pay.
He has yet to announce his choices for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, Office of the Political Adviser, Presidential Legal Counsel, Climate Change Commission and the newly formed Department of Information and Communication Technology.