BY JOVEN TUNGALA
The Department of Health announced on Monday the retirement of Health Undersecretary Enrique “Eric” Tayag, who has served the public for over 35 years and is recognized as a decorated official of the agency.
During the department’s flag ceremony, Executive Committee and all staff of the Department thanked Dr. Tayag for his exemplary service to the health of the nation.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, likewise, extended his gratitude to Tayag, who previously served as the department’s spokesperson and director of Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service.
“On behalf of the entire Department and the health sector, I thank Usec. Eric Tayag for his time and talent all these decades in the service of the Philippine health sector,” Herbosa said.
“I am witness to his well-deserved progression from a young infectious disease doctor and epidemiologist, to health Undersecretary, Chief Information Officer, and DOH Spokesperson,” he added.
Come April 15, Usec. Tayag’s role as head of the DOH Public Health Services Cluster in charge of epidemiology, disease prevention and control, and health promotion will be handled by Assistant Secretary Ariel I. Valencia.
Meanwhile, Usec. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong will be the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) in charge of digital health and health information systems, while Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Albert Francis E. Domingo shall henceforth be the Department Spokesperson.
Tayag also served as the agency’s assistant secretary during the administration of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
During his tenure as assistant secretary, he became known for his innovative approach to promoting government health programs and services.
He gained fame for incorporating dance into the Health department’s advocacy efforts, earning him the moniker “Dancing Asec.”
