SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday lauded the appointment of Navotas-Malabon businessman Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
He said the new appointee can build on the achievements in the agriculture and fisheries sector of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who held the DA top post while searching for the best candidate for the job.
The Speaker expressed his “deepest gratitude” to the President “for his dedicated service as the outgoing Secretary of Agriculture.”
“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 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,” Speaker, the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, said.
“In these challenging times, it is essential to have a leader who understands the intricacies of the market while keeping the welfare of ordinary Filipinos at heart. I believe Secretary Laurel is that leader, and I look forward to the positive changes he will bring to our country’s agricultural landscape,” he said.
The new DA secretary is president of Frabelle Fishing Corp. He has also held positions of several companies, including Frabelle Shipyard Corp. and Westpac Meat Processing Corp.
Speaker Romualdez said Tiu-Laurel Jr.’s “extensive background in the private sector provides him with a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in steering our 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,” he said.
He said the appointees leadership of Frabelle Fishing Corp. “showcases the potential of private enterprises in bolstering our nation’s food security, economic growth, and technological advancements in agriculture.”
“His firsthand experience in managing a elarge-scale operation gives him insights into the intricacies of supply chains, market demands, and global trends. This expertise will be instrumental in fostering partnerships between the government and private entities, bridging gaps, and creating synergies that benefit the agricultural sector as a whole,” he added.
The House leader pointed out that collaboration between the private sector and agriculture “is not just about business.” “It’s about ensuring that the fruits of economic growth are equitably distributed, reaching the grassroots level and benefiting ordinary Filipinos. 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 stressed.
