Study Room, Malacañan Palace
November 3, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a ceremony at the Study Room in Malacañan Palace.

In his statement, the President conveyed his full trust and confidence in the capabilities of Secretary Laurel Jr. as the Agriculture Chief, underscoring his vast experience in the fishing and farming sectors.

“Nauunawaan niya, hindi lamang kung anong problema, kung hindi ang mga solusyon sa mga problemang ‘yon. Bukod pa diyan, kilala na niya ang mga tao, ‘yung tinatawag na mga expert, mga professional… At madali niyang malapitan para mabigyan ng solusyon ang problema sa larangan ng agrikultura,” President Marcos Jr. expressed.

“Malaki ang trabaho na ibinigay ko sa ating bagong Kalihim at handa naman kaming lahat, hindi lang sa pamahalaan, kundi sa private sector, na siya ay tulungan… Inaasahan nating lahat na he will do a very good job,” he added.

In response, Secretary Laurel Jr. vowed his full commitment in prioritizing the plans and advocacies laid out by the Administration in terms of modernizing the agriculture sector, especially in ensuring food security and the welfare of all Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

“Malapit sa puso ko ang ating mga kababayang magsasaka at mangingisda dahil personal kong natunghayan ang mga hirap at pangarap nila. Asahan po ninyo na bukas ang aking tanggapan para sa inyong lahat… Higit sa lahat handa akong magtrabaho para sa inyo,” Secretary Laurel Jr. said.

Prior to his appointment, Secretary Laurel Jr. served as President of the Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a seafood production company that was first established in 1966.

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