ILOILO — The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has entered a major leadership transition with the designation of two new officers-in-charge following the retirement of Regional Director Annabelle Yumang on Nov. 8, ending years of service in the regional health sector.
The DOH issued Department Personnel Orders No. 2025-8486 and 2025-8469, designating Dr. Ma. Sophia Pulmones as OIC–Director IV and Dr. Mary Pauline Angelique Gestosani as OIC–Director III.
Yumang’s appointment as Director IV had earlier been formalized through DOH Department Personnel Order No. 2025-0110 dated Jan. 11, 2025.
Pulmones, a seasoned public health physician with extensive managerial experience, will now serve as the main point of contact for all official correspondence during the transition. DOH said this move aims to ensure seamless operations as the new leadership takes over.
Both Pulmones and Gestosani are expected to steer the regional office’s programs from the DOH Region 6 headquarters in Barangay Bolong Oeste, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, as they lead initiatives to sustain and expand healthcare services across Western Visayas.
DOH-6 expressed confidence that the two OICs will “bring their expertise and vision to the department,” strengthening ongoing health programs and community outreach efforts in the region.
Their appointments, the agency added, open a new chapter for DOH-6 as it prepares for continued reforms and improved health outcomes for Western Visayas residents./PN
