EXCELLENT CHOICE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appoints fishing tycoon Francisco Laurel Jr. (right) as the new head of the Department of Agriculture on Friday (Nov. 3, 2023). Laurel’s wealth of experience and dedication to the agricultural sector make him an excellent choice as agriculture secretary, lawmakers said. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)
MANILA – Lawmakers welcomed the decision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to appoint Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new head of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Laurel’s extensive background in the private sector provides him with a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in steering the country's agriculture and fisheries sectors.
“The private sector, with its innovation, efficiency, and competitive spirit, has much to offer when integrated with public sector objectives. By merging private sector strategies with the public sector's broader goals, we can harness the best of both worlds,” Romualdez said in a statement on Friday.
He said Laurel’s firsthand experience in managing a large-scale operation as Frabelle Fishing Corporation’s president gives him insights into the intricacies of supply chains, market demands, and global trends.
“With a leader who understands both worlds, we can anticipate policies that balance profit with public welfare, ensuring that our farmers and fisherfolk receive fair compensation, access to modern technologies, and opportunities for growth,” he said.
Romualdez also thanked the President for his dedicated service as the outgoing DA Secretary.
“His tireless efforts have laid a solid foundation for the Department, addressing crucial issues and setting clear goals to uplift the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk. It is my hope that Secretary Tiu Laurel will build on this groundwork to further enhance the lives of ordinary Filipinos, ensuring that the collective interests of farmers and fisherfolk are prioritized,” he said.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said Laurel is “well-suited to address the challenges our agricultural industry faces.”
He said Laurel’s familiarity with the importance of having cutting-edge technologies for food preservation and storage will translate to lesser food wastage and longer shelf life for the country’s agricultural produce.
“Every year, billions worth of agricultural products go to waste because we have not been investing in storage and preservation facilities. This appointment of Secretary Laurel in the DA would hopefully change that,” Dalipe said.
House Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said Laurel’s appointment “a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen and revitalize the agricultural industry.”
“Secretary Laurel is well-equipped to lead the DA towards a path of innovation and sustainable growth. His extensive background in the industry brings a wealth of practical expertise that will prove invaluable in addressing the unique needs of our agriculture sector,” she added.
Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said Laurel will continue the government's focus to address the decades long lingering problems in agriculture which is the main source of many people’s basic needs.
“We hope that under Laurel’s leadership, he will be able to continue the programs and projects implemented by President Marcos Jr. to develop our country's agricultural sector,” Lee said.
Excellent choice
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said Laurel’s wealth of experience and dedication to the agricultural sector make him an excellent choice for this vital role.
“I am confident that under his leadership, the country’s agriculture and fisheries industry will usher in a new period of growth, sustainability and prosperity,” Salo said.
“With his strong background in the fisheries industry, I anticipate innovative approaches and sustainable practices that will not only boost the fisheries sector but also preserve our aquatic resources for future generations. This development aligns perfectly with our advocacy for a thriving and environmentally responsible agricultural landscape,” he added.
Senate approval
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said he is looking forward to hearing Laurel plans “at a critical time for the country as the agriculture industry faces pressing challenges, including persistent productivity issues and rising prices.”
The challenges, according to Cayetano, pose a serious threat to food security and the nation expects the new secretary to use his experience and business acumen to develop a strategic roadmap that will drive innovation, enhance productivity, and create a more resilient and competitive agricultural landscape.
Laurel has the management experience and the common touch to lead “what is perhaps the most important agency in the country today.” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri in a separate statement.
Senator Francis Escudero commended Marcos for finally choosing a full-time DA secretary.
“His choice has extensive exposure and knowledge in fishing and agriculture,” he said in a brief statement.
Laurel is the president of Frabelle Fishing Corp., a company that went from a small Philippines-based trawl fishing company, established in 1966 by his parents Francis and Bella Tiu Laurel, to becoming one of the top deep-sea fishing companies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The corporation started with two fishing vessels around the Cuyo Island group and Northern Palawan and has since grown this number to about 150.
Laurel’s company was recognized as a top supplier for local canned tuna makers in 1972. (With a report from Leonel Abasola/PNA)
