Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., together with the DA and LGU officials, attended the Ugnayan with farmers and fisherfolks held at the Basco, Batanes Gymnasium.

During the Ugnayan, Secretary Tiu Laurel recognized the province’s unique agricultural challenges, such as limited irrigation and climate-related constraints. “Alam natin na ang Batanes ay may kakaibang hamon. Pero alam din natin na ang mga Ivatan ay matatag, masipag, at may pusong handang magbuwis ng lakas para sa kanilang bayan,” he said. (We know Batanes faces unique challenges. But we also know that the Ivatans are resilient, hardworking, and have hearts willing to give their all for their province.)

The Secretary reaffirmed the DA’s commitment to building a food-secure nation where no Filipino is left behind. ### (Photos by Ardy Tompong & Joseph Henry Elamparo, DA-AFID)