Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. thanked the employees of the Department for their strong performance as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. decided to retain him in his post amid the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
“It’s heartwarming. Siguro, nag-evaluate ang ating Pangulo ng ating performance. Basically, ang desisyon kung ako’y mananatili o aalis ay nakadepende sa performance ng Kagawaran. So lumalabas, medyo pumasa tayo,” he shared at the flag raising ceremonies on June 9, 2025.
In line with this, the DA chief pledged to intensify efforts to achieve food security and strengthen local production of major crops and other key commodities.
“Naniniwala ako na may pag-asa para sa masaganang kinabukasan ng sektor ng agrikultura at pangingisda sa ating bansa. May pag-asa tayong palakasin ang produksiyon ng bigas, mais, niyog, high-value crops, livestock, seafood products, at marami pang iba,” he said.
Likewise, he urged the Department employees to work together for a fast, efficient, and quality delivery of services for the agency’s stakeholders.
“Doble kayod tayo. At, kailangan, bilis at malasakit—ito ang susi. Ilang taon na lamang ang natitira sa ating current administration, panahon na para patunayan natin na ang “pag-asa” ay hindi lamang salita, kundi isang makakamit na realidad,” he stressed.
He also gave an update on the Department’s preparations for the 2026 budget, adding that once approved, the agency is already prepared to implement various projects for the benefit of stakeholders in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
“Ang pondong ating ipinapanalangin ay naihanda na ng ating mahusay na financial team, katuwang ang mga input mula sa Regional Directors at Bureau Heads. Nawa’y ipagkaloob ito sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulo at ng Kongreso sa 2026 budget. Sa mga darating na buwan, muli tayong babalik sa Kongreso para sa budget presentations at hearings,” he emphasized.
On the sidelines with reporters, Secretary Tiu Laurel also shared that among his accomplishments during his one year and seven months in public service is the stabilization of prices of onions, rice, and sugar. He further noted that 145 rice processing systems have already been established across the country.
“This year, we are looking at an all-time high in rice production,” he added. ### (Ira Y. Cruz, DA-AFID)
