President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Friday, Nov. 3, announced the appointment of fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
He made the announcement in a press briefing at Malacañang Palace.
“I have just administered the oath of office for the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Francisco Laurel. This is because it is time we have found somebody who understands very well the problems that agriculture is facing,” Marcos, who previously held the DA Secretary position, said.
[THREAD] Press briefing ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ngayong Biyernes, Nov. 3.#SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/1NLKkhSxtu
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 3, 2023
In explaining the timing of the appointment of his successor, the President said: “Now we are confident, Secretary Kiko and I are confident, that we have a fair understanding, good understanding of what needs to be done, what are the problems.”
According to Marcos, he only held the DA Secretary post as he truly believed that “there are many things that only a President can do.”
He expressed confidence in Laurel who he said is a friend of his.
“Kaibigan na rin natin ito, matagal ko nang kilala si Secretary Laurel. I’ve known him since we were boys. So malakas ang loob ko na ma-appoint siya kasi kilala ko pagkatao niya. Alam ko napaka-sipag nito, unang-una,” the President.
“Pangalawa, nauunawaan niyan mabuti ang sistema ng agrikultura dito sa Pilipinas kaya’t inaasahan natin lahat na he will do a very good job,” Marcos added.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, Laurel has 30 years of experience in the agriculture sector.
Prior to his appointment, he served as the President of Frabelle Fishing Corp.
