• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Tuesday announced the appointment of Dr. Ma. Ayessa Hugnatan as the next Provincial Health Officer (PHO) of Negros Occidental.
Lacson said Hugnatan, who is currently serving as Municipal Health Officer of Cauayan town, asked for two weeks before she could assume the position full time with the provincial government.
Hugnatan, 40, will replace Dr. Girlie Pinongan, 66, who finally retired from government service on May 15, after her tour of duty was extended for one year.
In the meantime, Lacson signed the appointment of Dr. Josephine Pahamtang officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office in a concurrent capacity, while continuing her duties as chief of the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
He also designated Dr. Von Andre Aposaga as officer-in-charge for the PHO Public Health Service.
Lacson said the province hired Hugnatan, whom he described as a young doctor with a strong passion for public health.
In his first meeting with Hugnatan during a meeting of the Provincial Health Board, Lacson admitted that he was impressed by her knowledge and expertise in public health.
He added that the appointments of Hugnatan and Aposaga reflect the provincial government’s thrust of putting young and capable doctors in key public health positions.*
