ILOILO City – The farmers’ and peasants’ group Paghugpong sang Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras (PAMANGGAS) has expressed concerns following the appointment of a fishing tycoon as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
On Nov. 3, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. formally appointed Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., his childhood friend and a significant presidential campaign donor, as the full-time DA secretary, 16 months into his presidency.
Lucia Capaducio, chairperson of PAMANGGAS, fears that Laurel’s business interests in the fishing industry will overshadow the pressing issues in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
“Our view is that his interests might clash with those of our local fisheries,” Capaducio said in an interview with Panay News.
She criticized the choice of an “outsider” for the role of DA secretary – referring to Laurel’s lack of experience within the department, especially in agriculture.
Although Capaducio was not surprised by Laurel’s appointment, citing his P30 million monetary contribution to the president’s 2022 election campaign, she underscored the need for a DA Secretary with hands-on experience in farming and fishing to truly understand the needs of these sectors.
PAMANGGAS’ primary concern is the increase in local production, which has been adversely affected by the surge in rice importation.
“The focus should be on strengthening local production rather than increasing importation. The Secretary needs to address the concerns of the people, particularly those of the farmers and fishermen, as it is his duty to be proactive,” Capaducio emphasized.
She also called on Laurel to expedite the distribution of agricultural land to farmers and to provide assistance to those impacted by natural disasters, such as typhoons and floods.
Furthermore, their group demands that the National Food Authority (NFA) receive an increased budget to buy palay from farmers at better prices and to offer alternative livelihood opportunities for those displaced by farm mechanization.
In his appointment speech, Laurel pledged, “My main objective is to ensure an abundant harvest and make sure it reaches every Filipino table. I aim to guarantee affordable and nutritious food for our citizens. This involves modernizing the agricultural sector and enhancing the well-being of our farmers and fishermen. We will ensure they reap the benefits of their hard work.”/PN
