ILOILO City – Effective January 6, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has a new leadership.
Secretary Teodoro Herbosa issued Department Personnel Order No. 2025-0063 designating Dr. Ma. Sophia S. Pulmones, director III of DOH Region 6, as officer-in-charge Director IV of the regional office.
With Pulmones’ appointment, Dr. Mary Joy D. Castroverde, Development Management Officer V, was designated as OIC director III of DOH-6.
Castroverde will perform the routine functions of the Director III position, while policy-related matters will be elevated to the Director IV for decision-making.
The personnel reshuffle follows Department Personnel Order No. 2025-0058, also issued by Herbosa, reassigning Dr. Adriano P. Suba-an, former regional director, to the Health Regulations and Facility Development Cluster (HRFDC).
“In the exigency of service, Dr. Adriano Suba-an, Director IV of Western Visayas Center for Health Development (CHD), is hereby reassigned to the Health Regulations and Facility Development Cluster,” the order stated.
Suba-an is directed to report directly to the Assistant Secretary of HRFDC to carry out his new responsibilities.
Suba-an served as the regional director of DOH-6 for over three years, having assumed office in July 2021. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Mpox cases, rising dengue incidents, and low vaccination coverage.
He succeeded Dr. Emilia Monicimpo, who retired from service, and previously served as the director of DOH Region 10 (Northern Mindanao)./PN
