Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. marked his first year in office with a candid acknowledgment of the hurdles faced by the agriculture sector. From fluctuating commodity prices to the destructive effects of climate change, Tiu Laurel has led the Department of Agriculture (DA) through a “perfect storm” of challenges.
Speaking at the DA flag ceremony on Monday, Tiu Laurel acknowledged having initial doubts about his decision to take the position, especially in the face of extreme weather patterns like El Niño and La Niña, and rising inflation. “The first four months were tough. Honestly, I even regretted taking the role,” he confessed. However, as he gained experience, Tiu Laurel said his sense of purpose and optimism grew, pushed ahead in part with the help of a dedicated team workers at the DA.
Despite the difficulties, including soaring onion prices and ongoing issues with rice inflation, Tiu Laurel highlighted key successes, such as price stabilization efforts. “Relatively, we are okay,” he said, noting the reduction in onion prices, once as high as P700 per kilo. Though he remains unsatisfied with his performance, Tiu Laurel expressed confidence that the challenges of the past year would not define the future.
Looking ahead, he is focused on long-term solutions, including infrastructure projects like rice processing centers and the modernization of farming practices through new machinery. “With the weather challenges behind us, I believe we can achieve great things in the coming year,” he said, emphasizing teamwork and unity within the department.
Tiu Laurel’s leadership, marked by transparency and determination, has set the stage for what he hopes will be a year of progress and growth in the agricultural sector.
