Manny Piñol is the new Department Of Agriculture secretary.
Journalist and former North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol was named as the new Department of Agriculture (DA) Chief under the administration of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.
During a press conference held on Monday, Manny Piñol was one of the personalities that Duterte identified to be part of his cabinet.
This was also confirmed by Piñol on his Facebook account. In his post, he said that he has no appointment with the outgoing Davao City Mayor unlike others.
He was just asked to join the group to congratulate the president-elect. But suddenly, Duterte announced that he will be the new DA secretary.
According to Piñol, Duterte asked him to: “Ensure available and affordable food for the Filipinos. No Corruption in the DA.”
Piñol said that his task will not be easy as he will be providing food for more than 105 million families and he will sacrifice a lot for the position.
But, he noted that to be able to implement Duterte’s vision in agriculture and providing food security for everybody is worth it.
“The thought, however, that I will be able to implement President Rody’s vision in agriculture and food security is worth all the sacrifices,” he said.
Meanwhile, Duterte also identified Andrea Domingo as Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chief, Carlos Dominguez as Finance secretary and Mark Villar as Public Works and Highways secretary.
Duterte also offered the post of defense chief to 2010 presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro, but he has yet to decide, noting that he needs to consult his family.