By Liezelle Soriano

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has been named the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), as announced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday, November 3, 2023.

The President confirmed that he administered the oath of office to the new Secretary.

“I have just administered the oath of office for the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Francisco Laurel. This decision was made because we need someone who thoroughly comprehends the challenges facing the agriculture sector,” Marcos stated.

President Marcos has been serving as the DA Secretary since he assumed the presidency last year.

Marcos explained that he took on the role of DA chief due to specific issues that only the President could address.

“I strongly believed, and I think I have been proven right, that there were critical matters that only a President could tackle. These problems were so significant and complex that I believed the authority and, I suppose, the moral persuasion of a President were necessary for us to find solutions. Agriculture is much more intricate than most people realize,” the President emphasized.

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. owns Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a company that supplies frozen and processed seafood products.

(ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

Describing the appointment of fishing magnate Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new head of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as a “breakthrough” for the country’s fisheries, former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol expressed his anticipation of a revitalized agriculture sector.

Laurel’s appointment came after more than a year during which President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. served as the agriculture chief.

“Congratulations!” Piñol posted on Facebook on November 3.

On Friday, PBBM finally handed over the reins of the DA to Laurel, the owner of Frabelle Fishing Corp, who reportedly donated P30 million to Marcos Jr.’s 2022 presidential campaign.

Piñol stated, “His appointment is a significant step forward for the Fisheries Sector, which had long been neglected.”

According to a Rappler report, Laurel serves as the president of Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a seafood production company that was first established in 1966.

Frabelle boasts “a fleet of over 100 vessels and a growing workforce of 5,000” on its website. It is recognized as a go-to source for fresh, frozen, and processed seafood, with a market that extends to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, and the United States.

“I am ready to listen and work with all of you,” said Laurel during a press conference.

“Above all, I am committed to working for you,” Laurel pledged to the agricultural sector.

(ai/mnm)