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)