LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Tracy Lou Bitoy as the new Provincial Government Department Head of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) and Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino as Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief.
The confirmation was made by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino on Monday, September 8, 2025, during the eighth regular session of SP.
With a strong background in the medical field of over 15 years, Dr. Bitoy is well-equipped for her new role. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.
During the session, she expressed her full support for Gov. Ramon V. Guico III’s health initiatives, particularly the “No Balance Billing” policy. “Since the start of Governor Guico’s term, we have been implementing No Balance Billing for basic accommodations. We will continue to monitor and ensure that it is well-implemented,” she stated.
Dr. Bitoy also pledged to work closely with Gov. Guico and the provincial government on the modernization of all provincial hospitals, increasing the bed capacity, and other programs to improve the province’s healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Dr. Villar-Espino who is a licensed physician holding a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and a Master’s in Public Health, pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Municipal Health Officers in the province and other NGOs, together with the 14 provincial hospitals.
Expressing her desire to become an effective provincial health officer, Dr. Villar-Espino vowed to give her all-out support to Gov. Guico’s goal in bolstering the Pangasinan Referral Network between the 14 provincial hospitals and Rural Health Units across the province.
With both officials’ clear vision and extensive experience, the board unanimously confirmed their appointment citing that their leadership will significantly contribute to Pangasinan’s healthcare system and support Gov. Guico’s vision in making the whole province healthy.
(Eira Gorospe, Photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)
