By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved the appointment of two new department heads of the provincial government during its regular session this week.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s nominations for the permanent positions of Provincial Health Officer (PHO) and Provincial Veterinary Officer (PVO) have been confirmed by the SP.

Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan has been appointed as PHO head.

Pinongan has served as PHO officer-in-charge since March following the retirement of former PHO head Dr. Ernell Tumimbang.

Meanwhile, Dr. Placeda Lemana has been appointed as PVO head.

She assumed as PVO officer-in-charge since July 1.

Lemana replaced former PVO head Dr. Renante Decena, who also retired./DGB, WDJ