25 March 2021, Cagayan de Oro City — Outgoing OIC-Regional Director Adriano P. Suba-an, MD, CESO IV endorsed to Director IV Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., MD, MPH, CESO III the Key of Responsibility as the Regional Director of the Department of Health Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao (DOH CHD-NM). This was held during the Turnover Ceremony on 22 March 2021 at Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

Around 30 participants witnessed the turnover ceremony, including the CHD-NM management and staff, Provincial Development Management Officers, Chiefs of the DOH-retained hospitals, heads of the attached agencies and other stakeholders. NNC X through Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and Nutrition Officer Sheena Marie G. Talle attended the ceremony.

During his inspirational talk, Dr. Suba-an endorsed the accomplishments, ongoing efforts and all the existing resources of CHD-NM.

As a response, the new Regional Director positively accepted the challenge of leading the CHD and the health system in Northern Mindanao. Dr. Llacuna likewise called for support from the stakeholders as he assumes his new post.

Dr. Llacuna, a Camiguin native, was the Assistant Regional Director of the CHD-NM in 2008. He served as Regional Director of DOH Caraga since 2016 before he was reassigned to Northern Mindanao.

As the new Regional Director of DOH CHD-NM, consequently, Dr. Llacuna is also the new Regional Nutrition Committee Chairperson, leading the actions for nutrition improvement in the regional level. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)