SECRETARY TEODORO J. HERBOSA

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Department of Health
Trustee, DAP Board of Trustees

Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa, the Health Secretary, served as undersecretary in the Philippines’ health system from 2010 to 2015. His noteworthy achievements include making healthcare accessible to everyone in achieving Universal Health Care.

Among the significant projects he led include the upgrading of public hospitals through Health Facilities Enhancement Funds and Public-Private Partnerships, and developing the National eHealth Strategic Framework Plan ensuring top-notch information management.

During the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, he also coordinated foreign medical teams, showcasing his commitment to public health in times of crisis.
Secretary Herbosa, who holds expertise in Trauma Surgery and Disaster Medicine, pioneered Fellowship programs at the University of the Philippines for Trauma Surgery and the Residency Program in Emergency Medicine. Notably, he has held several international posts as he was a professor of Emergency Medicine at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He established the Center for Research in Emergency Medicine and led international efforts, including roles at Johns Hopkins University and the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine. His contributions extend to the World Health Organization’s Safe Surgery initiative.

As a devoted community leader, he currently chairs Physicians for Peace, Philippines, and previously served as vice president of the UP Alumni Association. Among his accolades are the 2011 UPAA Distinguished Award for Public Service, the 2013 UPAA Distinguished Service Award, and the 2012 Rotary International D3780 Rotary Golden Wheel Award. As executive vice president of the University of the Philippines System from 2017 to 2021, he achieved notable milestones, including hosting international conferences, strengthening ties with Southern Taiwan University, advancing research on Road Safety, and establishing the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team for nationwide employee safety.

Presently, he serves as a crucial advisor to the Philippines’ National Task Force Against COVID-19. He holds positions as a professor specializing in Emergency Medicine and Trauma Surgery at UP-PGH and as faculty at the National Telehealth Center at UP Manila, contributing significantly to healthcare education and pandemic response efforts.