Palace Grounds, Malacañan
November 3, 2023
“It is time that we have found somebody who understands very well the problems that agriculture is facing”, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he introduced Frabelle Fishing Corporation President Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary during a Malacañang Press Briefing at the Malacañan Palace grounds.
In his message, the Chief Executive emphasized the importance of having someone with aligned objectives to handle agricultural issues, which would allow him to focus on his role as President.
During his acceptance speech, the newly appointed DA Secretary Laurel Jr. outlined his main priorities for improving the country’s agriculture sector. These priorities include increasing harvest efficiency, ensuring affordable food access for the Filipino people, modernizing the sector, and enhancing the welfare of farmers and fishermen.
“Handa akong makinig at makatrabaho kayo. Higit sa lahat, ako ay handa na magtrabaho para sa inyo. Lubos po akong naniniwala na kaya nating magpalago ang produksyon ng ating agrikultura, ngunit hindi ko ito kakayanin mag-isa. Kailangan ko ang tulong at pakikiisa ninyo at ng Sambayanang Pilipino,” he stated.
In addition, the Chief Executive commended Secretary Laurel Jr. for his capabilities in leading the agricultural sector towards progress, specifically in areas such as fishing and food processing. He also mentioned that the Secretary’s vast experience would enable him to effectively address agricultural issues, including the pressing challenge of climate change, to which he emphasized the importance of implementing new strategies and solutions to combat its effects as it plays a crucial role in farming.
“Malakas ang loob ko na ma-i-appoint siya kasi kilala ko ang pagkatao niya. Alam kong napakasipag nito, unang-una. Pangalawa, ay nauunawaan nyang mabuti ang sistema ng agrikultura dito sa Plipinas. Kaya’t inaasahan nating lahat na we will do a very good job,” the President ended in his message.
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