Solidum appointed DOST secretary

MANILA – Renato Solidum Jr. will head the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Malacañang announced on Friday.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles confirmed in a statement that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Solidum.

“We confirm the appointment of Mr. Renato Umali Solidum Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology,” Cruz-Angeles said.

Solidum is a geologist who has worked with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and was DOST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation before his new appointment.

The Office of the Press Secretary released a copy of the letter containing Solidum’s appointment, dated July 22 and signed by Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez.

“I am pleased to transmit your appointment letter, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as ad interim secretary (of the) Department of Science and Technology,” the letter read.