By Liza Soriano
Senators have welcomed the appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel as the new Department of Agriculture Secretary.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Laurel has the management experience and the “common touch to lead what is perhaps the most important agency in the country today.”
“I am glad that the President personally headed the Department of Agriculture for a time… but it is also right that the DA now be helmed by a new Secretary who can be devoted to the agriculture sector,” Zubiri said in a statement.
Sen. Chiz Escudero lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for choosing a full-time DA Secretary.
Escudero said he has known Laurel to be a “sincere, no-nonsense, honest and hardworking patriot.”
“I congratulate Secretary Laurel on his appointment, wish him well, and look forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe said that the new DA chief must have the focus, fortitude to get things done, and genuine feeling for the sector.
“As the first order of the day, we hope the new DA chief would take to heart the President’s warning in his SONA against smugglers, hoarders and price fixers,” Poe said.
“Kailangan din ng pangmatagalang programang magpapapataas sa produksyon sa agrikultura at mangangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating magsasaka,” she added.
On Friday, Marcos announced that he administered the oath of Laurel as the new DA Secretary.
(ai/mnm)