New secretary brings a ‘fresh’ approach to address agricultural challenges

After more than a year, the President has finally appointed a secretary at the helm of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the person of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. The appointment comes after the President has started initiating reforms in the agricultural sector, such as supporting farmers, expanding access to affordable food, and addressing smuggling issues.

In a statement released on the DA website, Laurel expressed his commitment to continuing the administration’s agricultural programs, “As the representative of the President, my goal is to uphold his advocacies and programs in the agricultural sector.”

“My primary aim is to ensure that there is an abundant harvest and to make sure that food is available on every table. It is also my goal to ensure that there is an enough supply of nutritious food that our people can purchase at the appropriate prices,” Laurel said.

The new secretary, an industrialist and fishing magnate, brings his wealth of experience to modernize the agricultural sector, with the complementary mission to uplift the lives and livelihoods of farmers and fishers. He was also a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council, which is being consulted by the administration on various issues.

Laurel has pledged to ensure that farmers and fishers benefit from their hard work and dedication, emphasizing that they are “close to his heart” due to his firsthand experience of witnessing their struggles. He has also extended an open invitation to engage with the agricultural community, stating, “My office is open at any time for all of you. I'm ready to listen and work with you, and most importantly, I'm ready to work for you!”

This early, various lawmakers and groups have lauded the President’s choice for the new secretary. Most of them have said that it is opportune time to have a dedicated secretary as the President may have his plate full with a myriad of challenges, starting with geopolitical concerns and national security.

This was also seconded by several senators, who have said that they expect new perspectives from the newly-appointed secretary. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said that he looks forward to hearing Laurel’s plans, especially amidst this critical time in our country.

“Our nation expects the new secretary to use his experience and business acumen to develop a strategic roadmap that will drive innovation, enhance productivity, and create a more resilient and competitive agricultural landscape for the benefit of our farmers and our people,” Cayetano said.

Senator Bong Go, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, congratulated Laurel and expressed interest in listening to his plans for achieving food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and modernizing the sector while ensuring sustainability, especially considering the growing number of aging farmers and fishers.

Senator Francis Escudero also welcomed the appointment, noting that the new secretary possesses extensive exposure and knowledge in fishing and agriculture.

While confidence in Laurel's ability bodes well for the department, it will take more than his business skills and extensive experience to address the complex issues that have mired this sector for generations. Laurel recognizes the magnitude of the challenge he faces and acknowledges that he “cannot do this alone.” He has called for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the Filipino people.

With this, we eagerly await Laurel’s plans so we could all rally behind him, because there can be no strong nation without a successful and sustainable agricultural sector.