Joaquin S. Torres, Anthony H. Aguon, Roy T. Rios and Pedro Q. Dela Cruz vowed during the public hearing in the Senate chamber to do their best.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, his senior policy adviser Dr. John Joyner noted the appointees’ “experience, commitment and compassion” in serving the commonwealth’s healthcare system.
The administration, Joyner said expects them to bring to the healthcare board, “innovative approaches” in the continuous effort to reduce cases of diabetes, stroke, heart problems and cancer.
Babauta, for his part urged the committee to expedite the confirmation of the nominees whom he described as a “combination of talents.”
He applauded lawmakers for creating the healthcare corporation which he described as a major undertaking.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said Torres, Aguon, Rios and Dela Cruz posses the necessary background to help the healthcare system move forward.
He noted that the status of the health centers on Tinian and Rota must be addressed.
Torres, a former commerce and labor director, said it’s difficult to accept nomination if the vision is clear but the map has yet to be drawn.
He said he believes he can contribute and work collaboratively to ensure quality health service.
Their membership on the board, he added, requires “compassionate leadership that allows nothing less than everyday excellence as their job will be extremely difficult because it affect lives of people.”
Rios, who holds a master’s degree in urban and development planning, said: “What concerns me is our healthcare system.”
Dela Cruz, a former commerce secretary and Retirement Fund board member, believes that the creation of the healthcare corporation is in the right direction.
“People deserve to receive quality healthcare,” he added.
Aguon is a legislative staffer of the Senate.
