Two months after assuming the position, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has reorganized officials within his department.

On Thursday, Jan. 4, Laurel issued a statement announcing changes in leadership, stating that the reorganization is intended to align the Department of Agriculture (DA) more closely with President Marcos’ directives to enhance operations.

Earlier this week, Laurel issued a series of special orders to reassign key DA officials, aiming to optimize their skills and extensive expertise.

Notably, senior Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian was appointed as a member of the Secretary’s Technical Advisory Group to utilize his extensive knowledge of the agriculture sector, particularly in rice production.

In February 2023, Sebastian was appointed as undersecretary for the Rice Industry Development Program.

He also served on the board of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, participated in the National Food Authority Council, and acted as a trustee on the boards of the National Irrigation Administration and the International Rice Research Institute.

“Sebastian will have to give up those multiple roles following his appointment as adviser to Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr,” the DA said.

In his place, Agriculture U. Nichols Manalo was appointed as the director of the national rice program, which he will hold concurrent with his roles as director IV, officer-in-charge-director of field operations service, and director of the national corn program.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa was designated as full-time spokesman of the DA.

OIC-Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro, an engineer by training, will serve as OIC-Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, OIC-national project director of the Philippine Rural Development Project, and OIC-Assistant Secretary for Operations.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate was appointed as undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulations concurrently.

Agriculture Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla, meanwhile, was tasked with overseeing operations and coordinating programs of the DA Bureaus.

Chief Administrative Officer and OIC director for financial and management service Thelma Tolentino was designated as Undersecretary-designate for Finance.

Agriculture Undersecretary Agnes Catherine Miranda was assigned to supervise operations and coordinate programs of DA attached agencies and corporations.

Laurel Jr. also created a team to address concerns, requests, and facilitate submissions of the DA to the Office of the President-Presidential Management Staff.

“Further changes in the DA leadership are likely given the temporary nature of certain appointments and the additional work load placed on the shoulder of certain officials,” the DA said.