‘DA Sec Laurel should focus on agri smuggling, modernization, increased productivity’

The new agriculture department secretary should focus on agricultural smuggling, modernization of the sector, and increased productivity, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said today.

Lacson said these are the major issues of the country’s agriculture sector that newly-appointed agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel should address.

“On behalf of the people of Negros Occidental, I join the entire nation in welcoming our new DA Secretary,” the governor said.

He added that as an agricultural province, “we are fortunate to have someone who has the complete confidence of our President Bong Bong Marcos.”

“DA Secretary Tiu Laurel takes to heart the interests of our farmers and fisher folks as he understands the current state of our agricultural sector and the importance of food security,” he pointed out.

Tiu Laurel was designated as the new DA secretary by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday.

Marcos previously occupied the post for more than a year.

Marcos said Laurel’s background in the private sector and his connections are beneficial to the DA.

Before he was appointed DA chief, Laurel was already a member of the government’s Private Sector Advisory Council.

Marcos repeated his marching orders to Laurel, which included the control of agricultural commodities’ prices, recovery from avian flu and African swine fever.

He would also have to contend with the alleged cartels that hurt Filipino consumers.* (EYAdiong)