Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday swore in Dave Gomez as acting secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Sharon Garin as secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), expressing confidence that both officials will reinforce key government thrusts under his administration's governance framework.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the importance of effective communication and energy policy reforms as central to his administration's goals in separate social media posts. 'Binabati ko si Acting PCO Secretary Dave Gomez (I congratulate Acting PCO Secretary Dave Gomez),' Marcos stated, highlighting Gomez's extensive experience in media and public service. Gomez is expected to deliver the government's message clearly and truthfully to every Filipino.
Gomez, who previously served as the communications director of PMFTC Inc., has a long history in the media industry, starting as a reporter for The Philippine Star and later serving as Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency. He is the fifth chief communicator under the Marcos administration, following predecessors Jay Ruiz, Cesar Chavez, Cheloy Garafil, and Trixie Cruz-Angeles.
Meanwhile, President Marcos praised Sharon Garin's legislative and policy expertise, asserting that her appointment would strengthen the administration's energy agenda. 'Ang karanasan ni Secretary Sharon Garin sa paggawa ng batas at paghubog ng polisiya sa enerhiya ay makakatulong sa ating layunin na maihatid ang mas maaasahan, abot-kaya, at malinis na enerhiya sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas (Secretary Sharon Garin's experience in legislation and shaping energy policy will support our goal of providing more reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy to every Filipino household under Bagong Pilipinas),' he remarked.
Garin, who served multiple terms in Congress, is expected to lead the implementation of energy sector reforms. Her focus will include initiatives to promote renewable energy adoption, reduce power costs, and expand rural electrification.
During a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building at Caticlan Airport in Aklan province, Marcos also announced plans to visit the Malampaya gas field with Garin. The Malampaya project, a significant natural gas field located offshore northwest of Palawan, is crucial for Luzon, supplying up to 20 percent of the island's electricity needs.
