President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Randy Bacolor Escolango as Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH), replacing Ma. Rosario Vergeire, according to an appointment letter dated July 14, 2025.
Escolango’s appointment was made “pursuant to the provisions of existing laws,” enabling him to assume the responsibilities of the office immediately.
The letter, issued by the Office of the President, directs Escolango to submit his Oath of Office to both the Office of the President and the Civil Service Commission.
Escolango, who had previously served in various legal and administrative roles within the DOH, will now step into one of the department’s highest-ranking positions at a time when the agency continues to navigate post-pandemic reforms and implement the administration’s Universal Health Care initiatives.
The appointment comes as Vergeire, who had served as officer-in-charge and undersecretary, steps aside after years of service, including during the COVID-19 crisis.
As of this posting, the Department of Health has yet to issue a public statement on Escolango’s new role.
