Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, a seasoned professional with 35 years of experience in hospital management, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) by President Bongbong Marcos. Dr. Mercado has an impressive background, having served as the vice chairman of Mercado General Hospital/Qualimed Health Network since March 2021, where he played a vital role in expanding the organization into a national chain of healthcare facilities.
Dr. Mercado is a graduate of the University of the Philippines with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He furthered his studies by earning a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School in 2023, as well as an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina. His dedication to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare is reflected in his advocacy work, particularly with the Zuellig Family Foundation, where he provided technical assistance to Provincial Health Boards.
In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Mercado is a faculty lecturer at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, specializing in Global Supply Chain, Research Methods, and Implementation Science. Dr. Mercado's oath-taking ceremony as the new president and CEO of PhilHealth was held at Malacañang Palace, where he succeeded Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. Dr. Mercado's proven leadership skills and strategic planning abilities, combined with his extensive experience in hospital management, make him a valuable addition to PhilHealth. He also serves as a guest lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Public Health.
