More senators lauded President Marcos' move to appoint a full-time Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary in Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stated that Laure's appointment was a timely one since it was made ahead of the budget hearings in the Senate.

This presents an opportunity for Laurel to articulate his vision for the agency and the agriculture sector as a whole. "I look forward to hearing his plans," the solon said.

Cayetano added that the appointment comes at a critical time for the country as the agriculture industry faces pressing challenges, including persistent productivity issues and rising prices. These challenges pose a serious threat to food security, he said.

"Our nation expects the new secretary to use his experience and business acumen to develop a strategic roadmap that will drive innovation, enhance productivity, and create a more resilient and competitive agricultural landscape for the benefit of our farmers and our people," he said.

He added that they look forward to the positive impact of his leadership in revitalizing this crucial sector for our nation's prosperity.

Senator Bong Go congratulated Laurel on his appointment. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he says that he is particularly interested in Laurel's plans on how to achieve food security, increase agricultural productivity, and modernize the sector while ensuring sustainability since we have a growing number of aging farmers and fishers.

Go appealed to Laurel to make sure to look after the welfare of small farmers and fishermen. He said that as long as their harvest and income are good, Filipinos will not get hungry.

"Prayoridad dapat natin ngayon na makamit ang seguridad sa pagkain dahil importante na may laman ang tiyan ng bawat Pilipino lalo na ang mga mahihirap at pinakanangangailangan (Our priority right now is to achieve food security because it's important that each Filipino has access to food especially the poor and needy)," he said.

"Alalayan dapat ang kabuhayan at trabaho ng ordinaryong Pilipino sa agrikultura para may maiuwi sila sa kanilang mga pamilya (We should assist the livelihood of ordinary Filipinos in agriculture so they can bring home something for their family)," he added.

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero likewise welcomed the appointment of Laurel as agriculture secretary. He says that Marcos' appointment of a full-time secretary who is knowledgeable of the industry and its challenges bodes well for the agriculture sector.

“I commend PBBM for finally choosing a full-time secretary in agriculture. His choice has extensive exposure and knowledge in fishing and agriculture,” Escudero said in a statement.

“I congratulate Secretary Laurel on his appointment, wish him well, and look forward to working with him,” he added.

He described Laurel as “sincere, honest, and hardworking”.

Escudero has been urging the President to appoint a permanent agriculture secretary since as Chief Executive, he cannot fully devote his time to the agency as he attends to other pressing matters of national concern.

Prior to his appointment, Laurel served as president of Frabelle Fishing Corp. from 1985 to October 31, 2023. He was also a member of the agriculture sector group of the Private Sector Advisory Council (FSAC) of President Marcos.

The incoming agriculture chief also held positions in various companies including president of the Frabelle Shipyard Corp.; chairman of Westpac Meat Processing Corp.; director of Frabelle Properties Corp.; and president of Markham Resources Corp., among others.

Sen. Sonny Angara said that it's good that the President has found a full-time Agriculture chief in the person of Laurel.

"Hopefully the new secretary will focus on boosting local productivity and helping local producers in this respect. This will result in lower prices in the long run," he added.