Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday rallied officials and staff of the Department of Agriculture to intensify their efforts and deliver swift, tangible results, following an effective endorsement from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the programs and direction of the agency.
Speaking at the DA’s weekly flag-raising ceremony, Tiu Laurel said the decision of President Marcos to keep him as a Cabinet member was both a vote of confidence of the agency’s direction and a challenge to rise to the occasion.
He urged the DA family to treat it as a turning point — a moment to act with greater urgency, discipline, and compassion to transform the country’s agriculture sector
“Doble kayod ho tayo. At kailangan, bilis at malasakit – ito ang susi. Ilang taon na lamang ang natitira sa ating current administration, panahon na para patunayan natin na ang ‘pag-asa’ ay hindi lamang salita, kundi isang makakamit na realidad,” he said. (“We will need to work twice as hard — and act with both urgency and compassion, because that is the key. With only a few years left in this administration, it is time to prove that ‘hope’ is not just a word, but a reality we can achieve.”)
Tiu Laurel reminded employees that applause is not enough — only visible results will matter. “Sasamahan n’yo ba ‘ko sa pag-angat ng buhay ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda?” the DA secretary challenged agency officials and staff.
“Maglilingkod ba tayo ng may integridad, dedikasyon, at ngiting may malasakit – kahit walang nakatingin? Kaya ba nating ipamalas ang serbisyo publiko na may puso at dangal?” (“Will you stand with me in uplifting the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk? Will we serve with integrity, dedication, and a compassionate smile — even when no one is watching? Can we demonstrate public service with heart and honor?”)
Secretary Tiu Laurel warned that time is running out, with only three years left for the Marcos administration to deliver on the promise of a better life for farmers and fishers. With the DA set to present its 2026 budget to Congress in the coming months, the agency must be ready to implement projects without delay. He said projects that aren’t shovel-ready will not be pursued.
“We must deliver quick wins — we can no longer afford delays. Our farmers and fisherfolk have waited long enough,” he said.
