Malacañang Palace has confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Health Undersecretary Paolo Teston as the new director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The appointment was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro in a press conference on Friday, May 16.
Teston’s appointment was first announced during the agency's flag-raising ceremony in Alabang, Muntinlupa, on May 13.
In his first official address to FDA officials and employees, DG Teston emphasized his mission to restore public trust in the agency and lead the FDA toward a new chapter guided by greater professionalism, integrity, and efficiency.
“I assume this role with a clear and urgent mandate: to raise the standard of service at the FDA—not through promises or plans alone, but through action. At seryoso po tayo sa layuning ito,” Teston said.
He committed to prioritizing the welfare of FDA personnel through improved job security, professional development opportunities, and better working conditions.
“Let us take care of our people. They are the hands on the wheel and the feet on the ground—they are key to the agency’s progress. We will listen to them, support them, and invest in their future,” he stressed.
Prior to his appointment, Teston led the Health Regulation and Facility Development Cluster (HRFDC) of the DOH and served as Assistant Secretary, overseeing other departments within the agency.
He is also a trained lawyer with administrative experience and was a member of the Department of Health Executive Committee.
Meanwhile, the Malacanang has not released any official statement regarding the reason behind the replacement of Dr. Samule Zacate in the position.
