Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 3) — Agriculture groups are willing to work with newly appointed Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and said they expect him to “commit” to resolving urgent concerns in the sector.
The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), and Bantay Palengke all welcomed Laurel’s appointment and hoped he could “live up to the expectations” that came with the role.
READ: Marcos appoints fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as new Agriculture chief
“We wish Sec. Francis Tiu Laurel Jr. success and are prepared to work with him. At the same time, we hope that he will listen closely to and act promptly on the urgent concerns especially of small farmers, municipal fishers and other disadvantaged members of the agricultural sector,” FFF said in a statement Friday.
FFF President Leonardo Montemayor urged the new chief to establish clearer communication lines between the administration and the sector’s prime stakeholders, and to divest from his business interest.
READ: New DA chief to focus on modernization, boost production
“He has to divest himself of his interest and whatever businesses he is involved in,” Montemayor told CNN Philippines’ Balitaan.
“Kahit magaling kang manager and exposure sa business sector, importante na malaman mo lahat ang mga critical areas of concern in agriculture,” he added.
[Translation: Even if you are a good manager and have exposure in the business sector, it is important that you know all the critical areas of concern in agriculture.]The new DA chief owns Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a deep-sea fishing company supplying fresh, frozen, and processed seafood products to domestic and international markets.Prior to Laurel’s appointment, he was part of the Private Sector Advisory Council’s agriculture group helping the government address food security issues.Fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) earlier raised alarm after reports surfaced that Laurel will take over the DA.Pamalakaya in early October claimed that Laurel’s company is involved in a form of reclamation of coastal areas and municipal waters. CNN Philippines is seeking comment from Laurel’s company.
In their most recent statement, the group called on the new chief to “prohibit all forms of conversion and reclamation of coastal communities and fishing grounds that cause displacement of fisherfolk and irreversible destruction of marine and aquatic resources.”
SINAG said they are hoping to hear “a firm commitment” from Laurel that he will reject all proposals to reduce tariffs on all agricultural commodities.The challenges in the agri front are daunting but can be won by supporting and strengthening the local agriculture sector. Our judgment will rest on his performance as DA (Department of Agriculture) secretary,” the group said in a statement.Bantay Palengke, an advocacy network focused on food and household goods, added that the new secretary should also work to resolve price issues and dismantle price cartels.The appointment of a full-time agriculture secretary is a welcome development as food inflation remains a top concern for a majority of Filipinos. It is about time that someone is assigned to focus on food and agricultural issues,” Bantay Palengke Convenor Lester Codog said in a statement.
AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilber Lee also welcomed Laurel’s appointment and expressed hope the new secretary will be able to continue Marcos’ implemented programs and projects.
Senators also wished the new cabinet member success, saying that it is high-time that a full-time Agriculture secretary focuses on the sectors’ concerns.
It’s a good decision to appoint a full-time secretary for the DA as increasing our ‘food production’ must be our top priority. Now, if the question is if Mr. Tiu Laurel is a good choice for DA Sec, let us give him time to prove himself,” Senate Minority leader Koko Pimentel said.Senator Francis Tolentino agreed with Pimentel and said Marcos’ appointment of Laurel will be seen as a wise decision depending on the work the latter will display.Let’s give him the chance to work. He comes with a fisheries background. But the agricultural industry is more than just fisheries,and its underlying issues are firmly-rooted,” Tolentino said.Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros cited rumors and conflicts surrounding Laurel, vowing that they will be raised during his hearing with the Commission on Appointments on Nov. 6.“We will await Secretary Tiu-Laurel when he goes before the Commission on Appointments, so these issues affecting his capacity to lead the DA can be scrutinized and the concerns of our peasant farmers and fisher-folk discussed,” she said.
