Laurel Vows To Modernize "Long-Neglected PH Agriculture"

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., following his confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, has pledged to modernize the long-neglected agriculture sector in the Philippines.

Sec. Laurel's vision for agriculture is to make it sustainable, profitable, and appealing to the youth. I Photo: Department of Agriculture - Philippines Facebook

Sec. Laurel, who views the task of feeding 118 million Filipinos as a challenging but achievable goal, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-nation approach to address various issues plaguing the sector.

In a presentation to the Commission on Appointments, Sec. Laurel outlined his vision to combat high food prices, low food production, broken food supply chains, lack of irrigation, cold storage, credit, and other key inputs, along with challenges like aging farmers, climate change, and geopolitical disruptions.

He underscored his commitment to applying his knowledge and experience in building a diversified global company to address these challenges and serve the Filipino people.

Sec. Laurel stressed that the Department of Agriculture under his leadership will rely on science and market data for timely interventions in the agriculture sector. He expressed equal importance for various facets of agriculture, including fisheries, livestock, poultry, and high-value crops, not just the production of rice.

The Commission on Appointments unanimously approved his interim appointment after deliberations. Sec. Laurel, appointed on November 3 by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., took over the agriculture department to prioritize food security and job creation.

Having joined the family business at an early age and developed Frabelle into a diversified conglomerate, Sec. Laurel highlighted the importance of humility, faith in fellow journeyers, and a whole-of-country and whole-of-society approach.

He emphasized the need for sustainability, drawing from his experience as the former chairman of the World Tuna Purse Seine Organization.

Sec. Laurel aims to make investments and careers in agriculture profitable to attract the younger generation, preventing a future food crisis. His vision for agriculture is to make it sustainable, profitable, and appealing to the youth.

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