The Department of Agriculture (DA) has underscored the importance of private sector involvement in expediting the modernization of the local farm sector to enhance food production and ensure food security.

For reason, Agriculture  Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the government wants to engage the private sector in the development of national policies and programs to modernize the agricultural sector.

“The collaboration of government and the private sector is crucial,” Laurel said during the 9th National Agriculture and Fisheries Volunteers’ Day celebration and awarding ceremony of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).

“We highlight the efforts and dedication of our partners in building sustainable set of option for the future of agriculture and fisheries,” he added.

PCAF, a division of the DA, oversees private-public partnerships (PPP) by facilitating policy development. It also coordinates comprehensive participatory development strategies within the agriculture and fisheries sector at both the national and local levels.

After he took over the DA role from President Marcos, Laurel visited multiple areas in the Philippines to speak with government officials, investors, industry experts, farmers, fishermen, and others to strengthen the government’s agenda for agricultural improvement.

“Since I was appointed as the new Agriculture Secretary—the need to modernize the agriculture sector, not only to feed 118 million Filipinos but ensure food security by practicing a whole-of-nation approach,” he said.

The DA hopes that the support generated would push food self-sufficiency, reduction of agricultural product importation, and encourage the youth to consider agriculture as a career.

“Prompting people participation and ensuring sustainable development through sound policy recommendations are key factors that we can embrace to maintain a functional and holistic approach in dealing with the sector’s challenges,” Laurel said.

The DA secretary calls for active cooperation from the Agriculture sector and private partners to implement the necessary policies, programs, and activities, as well as project monitoring to help the farmers and fisherfolk.