The Department of Agriculture (DA) commemorates the first anniversary of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. in public service with the theme, ‘Transforming Philippine Agriculture towards a Stronger Nation.’
On November 11, the DA family witnessed the unveiling of a photo exhibit highlighting the Secretary’s activities, milestones, and accomplishments during his first year.
“This first year with you has not been easy. I think ang tawag dito sa pinasukan kong taon is ‘the perfect storm’ because we had El Niño, La Niña, logistical problems, giyera, high prices of everything sa international markets. But in spite of that, relatively, we are okay. We did okay. We have been able to achieve at least stability in prices and on the way pababa na ‘yan with our efforts,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
He also noted that while the DA’s performance during his first year has been satisfactory, his succeeding year is one to anticipate as the DA family prepares for the implementation of more plans and programs for the country’s agri-fishery sector, with the continued support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Moving forward next year, no more excuses for me, for us. And I believe na basta magtulong-tulong tayo sa aking second year, we can achieve so many things. In fact, we have already started so many things already: construction ng rice processing centers, pagbili ng tamang makinarya, marami tayong policies na binabago na para mas maganda ang takbo natin, and we are more coordinated as a whole DA family. I’m very optimistic that we will all perform better next year but of course, kailangan ko talaga ang tulong ng buong DA family,” he added.
Formerly from the private sector, Secretary Tiu Laurel was appointed on November 3, 2023. He helms the agriculture department with the strong vision of a food-secure and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous farmers and fishers as reflected in the DA’s battlecry, ‘Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya.’
Under his leadership, the Department is committed to focus on the expansion and improvement of available agri-fishery areas to increase production, mechanization and modernization of agriculture and fishery production systems, development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures, development of efficient logistics systems for input and production output, and improvement and expansion of market access digitalization. DA will also balance the development and regulatory role of the department, and maintain strong partnership with farmers, fisherfolk, and the private sector.
“Bilang kinatawan ng Pangulo, layunin ko na ipagpatuloy ang kaniyang mga adhikain at programa sa sektor ng agrikultura. Malapit sa puso ko ang ating mga kababayang magsasaka at mangingisda dahil personal kong natunghayan ang mga hirap at pangarap nila. Asahan po ninyong laging bukas ang aking tanggapan para sa inyong lahat. Handa akong makinig at makatrabaho kayo. Higit sa lahat, ako ay handang magtrabaho para sa inyo,” Secretary Tiu Laurel conveyed to the public during his appointment in 2023. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
