By Noemi Reyes | Philippine News Agency
Newly appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday, Nov. 6, said he plans to go around the country to better assess the situation of farmers and fisherfolk.
In a press briefing after the flag ceremony at the DA headquarters in Quezon City, Laurel said the DA under his helm will step up efforts to increase food production and modernize the agricultural sector.
“Sa mga susunod na araw, iikot po ako sa halos lahat ng probinsiya at kakausapin ko diretso ang mga farmer and fishermen. Gusto kong marinig nang personal kung ano ‘yung kailangan nila, ano ‘yung hinaing nila, at ano ‘yung nakikita nilang vision nila. Gusto kong makita ang kalagayan nila,” he said.
Laurel said the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is to modernize agriculture with the goal of achieving food security, reducing import dependence, and lifting millions of farmers and fisherfolk out of poverty by the end of his term in 2028.
“By modernizing the agriculture sector, we could make it a more profitable venture and attract a younger generation that would ensure the country’s food security in the decades to come,” Laurel said.
Aside from boosting food production and modernization, Laurel emphasized the need to address alleged price manipulation and smuggling to ensure stable supply and prices.
He said the DA will coordinate and work closely with relevant law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute those engaged in illegal trade.
Laurel called for unity and cooperation in the agricultural community to achieve their shared targets.
“I’m ready to work but I can’t do this alone. I need your full cooperation and teamwork for us to achieve our targets,” he said.
Asked whether rice production is the main priority, Laurel said while rice is the country’s staple food, there are other equally important sectors like livestock, poultry, fisheries, and high value crops that require government attention and support.
Meanwhile, the peasants’ group Kilusan Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan (Katarungan) laid down their expectations from the new DA chief.
In an interview, Katarungan Secretary-General Danny Carranza said they are hoping Laurel will be able to address major problems in agriculture such as “adequate and appropriate support services for the farmers, infrastructure, marketing links, and processing for value addition.”
Agriculture accounts for about 10% of the Philippine economy, and employs one in every four Filipinos.
