The National Center for Mental Health has a new Medical Center Chief, Dr. Roland L. Cortez. After 10 months since the retirement of the previous center’s chief, the NCMH community welcomes Dr. Cortez during the Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, October 22, 2018 alongside with its opening ceremonies for the celebration of the Mental Health Week.

Dr. Roland Cortez has been with the Department of Health for more than 30 years and served as Assistant Secretary for Support to Service Delivery Technical Cluster I. He also served as Medical Center Chief of several DOH-retained hospitals which includes Valenzuela Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Amang Rodriguez General Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center and East Avenue Medical Center, his most recent assignment.

During his speech, Dr. Cortez, enjoined the NCMH community for the support and commitment in his drive to further improve the service delivery of the center, stating that the hospital is already recognized internationally for its technical expertise, he now aims to give that same perspective to the local community, the beneficiaries of the expert care the center provides. In his speech, he cited three pillars to give focus on; first of which was to ensure cleanliness, in the workplace, surroundings, and in all other aspects of the word. Secondly, he emphasized on treating our clients with utmost dignity, the same that we would expect if it is were us or our closest loved ones receiving the treatment. Lastly, he stressed the importance of presence, not only with the physical aspect and its consistency, but as well as having our presence felt in the way we carry out our duties and responsibilities.

Making true to his promise, not long after the new chief gave his empowering speech to the captivated crowd, he started to make his presence felt in the center as he began his rounds through various pavilions and wards.