Newly-appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday, Nov. 3, said increasing agri-production and attaining food sufficiency are among the priorities of his leadership.
In his acceptance speech at Malacañang Palace, Laurel vowed to continue the advocacies and programs of former DA Secretary, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
“Sa mga darating na araw, ilalatag ko sa inyo ang mga plano in coordination with our President. Pangunahing adhikain ko ang pagtiyak na masagana ang ating ani at siguraduhin ito ay nakakarating sa hapag ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Francisco Laurel, ang bagong talagang DA Secretary: Buong puso ko tinatanggap ang hamon ng ating mga mahal na Pangulo na maglingkod bilang kalihim ng kagawaran ng agrikultura. #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/11DRSSqoph
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 3, 2023
He said he also wants to ensure that Filipinos will have sufficient food that is healthy and affordable. Laurel added that this could be attain through modernization that also benefits fishermen and fisherfolks.
“Ating sisiguraduhin na sila ay makikinabang sa mga bunga ng kanilang pagod at pagsisikap. Malapit sa puso ko ang kapatid natin na magsasaka at mangingisda dahil personal kong nasaksihan ang hirap at pangarap nila,” the new DA chief said.
Laurel assured that all fishermen and farmers are welcome to his office, adding that he is ready to “listen” and “work” with them.
“Lubos ako naniniwala na kaya natin mapalago ang produksyon, ang ating agrikultura,” he said.
In his speech, Marcos said Laurel is not new in the agriculture sector, citing that the latter has experience in various fields, including the fishery.
“Nauunawaan niya, hindi lamang kung ano ang problema, kung hindi ang mga solusyon sa mga problemang iyon. At bukod pa ro’n, kilala na niya ang mga tao, yung mga tinatawag na expert at professional, madali nyang lapitan para matugunan at mabigyan ng solusyon ang mga problema sa larangan ng agrikultura,” he added.
