Reacting to press reports that said Mrs. Arroyo’s political friend and provincemate is being considered for the post, a panel member who requested not to be identified clarified yesterday that the search group is still in the process of evaluation.
"We can assure our people that the most qualified health chief will be named by the President," the source noted, denying that a choice has been made since last week.
Running first on the short list, records from the panel showed, is former Health Assistant Secretary Manuel Dayrit, a doctor who specialized in epidemiology, biostatistics and organization of communities for health care orientation and implementation.
Reports also said medical and religious groups, all based in Mindanao, are supporting Dayrit. He is being endorsed as Mindanao’s representative to the Cabinet for having started his medical service in the islands from 1977, as government’s rural doctor, until 1987 as the medical director of non-government, community-based anti-tuberculosis program.
Records at the committee also disclosed that Davao’s Archbishop, Most Rev. Fernando Capalla, DD, has signed and approved Dayrit’s endorsement through the Archdiocesan Center for Family and Life Apostolate (ACFLA).
The Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. (DMSFI), a consortium of the Ateneo de Davao University; Brokenshire Memorial Hospital, where he took his internship in 1976; Development of People’s Foundation; San Pedro Hospital; and San Pedro College also sent their letters of support for the "Mindanao’s adopted son."
The Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Dental Association, Philippine Pharmaceutical Association and Private Hospital Association of the Philippines are also vouching for Dayrit.
Other contenders to the post are former Health Undersecretary Jaime Galvez Tan, the campaign manager of Sen. Raul Roco during the 1998 presidential elections.
Three-term Masantol, Pampanga Mayor Epifanio Lacap, who is said to be a friend of the President, is also on the list.