As he takes on a new role in public health leadership, the University of the Philippines congratulates its alumnus, Dr. Edwin Mercado, on his appointment as the new secretary of the Department of Health. With extensive experience in health care operations, health financing, and universal health care, Mercado brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He was sworn into office, Aug. 11 at the Malacañang Palace.
Mercado’s professional trajectory, which includes consultancy to the strategic advisory group of DOH on universal health care implementation, a board member and expert panel member of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and its former president and chief executive officer, reflects his strong commitment to public service.
He earned his master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and his master’s degree in Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School. Since July 2023, Mercado has been a research fellow under Dr. Chunling Lu at Harvard Medical School’s Division of Global Health Equity.
In 1983, Mercado graduated cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Zoology from UP Diliman. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the UP Manila College of Medicine in 1987. He also completed his fellowships at Medical City Dallas, the University of Cincinnati, the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, and The Christ Hospital Cincinnati.
His academic and professional training exhibits his commitment to advancing his expertise in health care and public health.