The agriculture sector, particularly the farmers and meat processors, said they are willing to work with the new Department of Agriculture (DA) chief as they hailed the decision of Malacanang to finally appoint a DA secretary, a position held in concurrent capacity by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. since he assumed office on June 30, 2022.

In separate statements, the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) and the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) said they welcomed the appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as full-time DA chief.

“We wish Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel Jr. success in his new position, and we are prepared to work closely with him,” said FFF Chairman Leonardo Montemayor.

At the same time, FFF expressed the hope that the new secretary will “listen closely to and act promptly on the concerns particularly of small farmers, municipal fishers and other disadvantaged members of
the agricultural sector.”

From the meat processors, PAMPI congratulated Laurel and wished him success in his new role as head of the DA.

“As a proven and tested agribusiness entrepreneur, we are confident that he will be able to manage the agriculture portfolio efficiently and well,” said PAMPI President Felix Tiukinhoy Jr.

“We hope that all sectors of agriculture provide him needed advice and support to ensure that agriculture becomes a strong pillar of the national economy,” he added.

PAMPI also extends their full support and cooperation to the department of agriculture under Laurel’s watch.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the voice of business in the country, expressed great relief that finally Marcos has found someone he can rely on to handle the agriculture portfolio.

PCCI President George T. Barcelon said that the mandate for the new agriculture secretary would be largely to help implement measures to control the stubborn inflation.

Barcelon said the most important concerns the DA secretary should focus his attention on is management of supply and demand and logistical issues to reduce prices, especially for the basic goods. 

He said these requires management skills of the new secretary.

“It is important he will closely monitor these two issues because these are the foremost concerns of business and consumers,” he also said.

Likewise, Barcelon expressed confidence that Marcos will back him up on some issues that require political will.

“We note of our support to the new secretary, actually we are very active in the agriculture,” he said.