House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday, Nov. 3, welcomed the appointment of fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a statement released to the media, Romualdez said that Laurel’s wealth of experience as president of a private company, Frabelle Fishing Corp., will “be invaluable in steering in our country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.”
“Secretary Tiu-Laurel’s leadership of Frabelle Fishing Corporation showcases the potential of private enterprises in bolstering our nation’s food security, economic growth, and technological advancements in agriculture,” he said.
Basahin> statement ni House Speaker @MartinRomualdez sa appointment ni Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. bilang kalihim ng Department of Agriculture @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/k1JHBGAj2T
— milky rigonan 💋 (@milkyrigonan) November 3, 2023
Romualdez pointed out that “collaboration between the private sector and agriculture is not just about business”, but it is also centered on “economic growth”, “reaching grassroots level”, and “benefiting ordinary Filipinos.”
“With a leader who understands both worlds, we can anticipate policies that balance profit and public welfare, ensuring that our farmers and fisherfolk receive fair compensation, and access to modern technologies, and opportunities for growth,” he furthered.
The House Speaker thanked President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. who served as the DA Chief for a year.
He commended Marcos for his “tireless efforts” that created a “solid foundation” for the agriculture department. Romualdez also applauded the President for “addressing critical issues and setting clear goals to uplift the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk.”
On Friday morning, Marcos announced that he appointed Laurel Jr. as the new DA Secretary.
“This is because it is time we have found somebody who understands very well the problems that agriculture is facing,” he said in a press briefing at Malacañang Palace.
