President Marcos stepped down as Secretary of Agriculture and appointed Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the New Agriculture Chief. In an unexpected move, President Ferdinand Marcos has decided to step down from his position as Secretary of Agriculture in the Philippines. Instead of continuing to fulfill his role within the Department of Agriculture, he has appointed the prominent businessman Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new Secretary of Agriculture.
The appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has raised significant surprises and questions from various sectors of society. Laurel is known for owning the Frabelle Group of Companies, a well-known company in the fields of agriculture and fishing. Despite his success in the business world, this marks the first time he has been appointed to a government position.
President Marcos has been overseeing the Department of Agriculture since he assumed office and believes that it is high time to appoint a Secretary of Agriculture who wholeheartedly comprehends the sector. He also emphasized the importance of agriculture in the country’s development, especially since it serves as the primary source of livelihood for a majority of Filipinos.
The appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. demonstrates President Marcos’s confidence in the ability of the private sector to contribute to the improvement of the agricultural sector. Laurel is known for his efforts to enhance the welfare of farmers and fishermen within his company. This move recognizes the private sector’s potential to be a partner of the government in agricultural development.
However, some concerns appointing a businessman as the Secretary of Agriculture may lead to developments that are not beneficial for small-scale farmers and fishermen. It is essential to maintain a balance in the agricultural sector, requiring careful attention and regulation.
As President Marcos steps down from his role as Secretary of Agriculture, it presents a significant opportunity for changes and reforms within the sector. The challenge now falls upon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to prove his capability in leading and advancing agriculture in the Philippines. Many lives and livelihoods depend on his leadership and the steps he will take to uplift the agricultural sector in the country.