President Marcos Appoints Randy B. Escolango Undersecretary of Health
President Marcos has named lawyer Randy B. Escolango as the new Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH). This key appointment marks a significant step in the department’s leadership as Escolango assumes his new role.
Escolango took his oath before Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa at the DOH Central Office in a formal ceremony. Sources noted that his appointment follows the tenure of Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, a longtime DOH spokesperson and former Officer-in-Charge from 2022 to 2023.
Extensive Public Service Experience
Before joining the DOH, Escolango served as Undersecretary for Administrative, Finance, and Legal Services at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) from 2023 to 2025. He also oversaw Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, along with Knowledge Management and Information Systems within DHSUD.
Local leaders highlighted his leadership in several roles, including Undersecretary for Pasig River Urban Development, the flagship program for revitalizing Metro Manila’s main waterway. He also led the national government’s Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program, enhancing disaster response efforts.
Moreover, Escolango managed the Homeowners Associations and Community Development Bureau, where he supervised the creation of guidelines for appointing interim boards in homeowners’ groups. He also coordinated resettlement projects linked to the Department of Transportation and served as Head of the Procuring Entity.
Recognition and Awards
The DHSUD Employees’ Association commended Escolango for his unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership, which significantly improved employee welfare. His dedication has earned him respect across various government agencies.
In 2022, Escolango was Undersecretary for Regional Operations at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). He supervised attached agencies such as the Professional Regulation Commission, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, National Labor Relations Commission, and National Maritime Polytechnic.
Legal and Academic Background
Escolango’s previous roles include Deputy Insurance Commissioner for Legal Services at the Insurance Commission from 2017 to 2022 and Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from 2010 to 2017. During his time as Officer-in-Charge Administrator at SBMA, the authority received prestigious awards recognizing its leadership and rapid growth.
Besides his government service, Escolango is a Rear Admiral in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. He also writes columns for a major newspaper and teaches law at New Era University, where he serves as President of the Alumni Association since 2019.
Academic Achievements and Certifications
Escolango holds a Post-Doctorate in Strategic Management and Leadership, a Ph.D. in Public Administration, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in law, accountancy, and political science. He is also an Accredited Financial Analyst, Certified Treasury Professional, Registered Real Estate Broker, and a Level 3 Certified Public Procurement Specialist.
His awards include honors from the Office of the Ombudsman, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, his law alumni association, and a special congressional recognition from the United States Congress.
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