Laurel demands results from DA's high-profile projects
Published May 14, 2025 03:33 pm
At A Glance
- More than 30 KNP stores are scheduled to begin selling the ₱20 rice on Thursday, May 15.
Officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) are urged to fast-track the implementation of its high-profile projects, such as the ₱20-per-kilo rice program, to meet the expectations earlier set by Congress, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.
“We must ensure that we meet our targets, especially those Congress-approved targets,” Laurel said, noting that these projects must follow their supposed timely delivery.
“But more than that, we must guarantee that the funds for these projects, at the very least, are disbursed, not just obligated,” he added.
Laurel said his latest directive comes as the agency is “under pressure” to deliver tangible outcomes, particularly in addressing the high prices of rice.
In particular, he is pushing his colleagues to prioritize the successful outcome of the ₱20 rice program, which was one of the campaign promises by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The pilot test of the program was launched on Tuesday, May 13, in a dozen Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) stores across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
More than 30 KNP stores are scheduled to begin selling the ₱20 rice on Thursday, May 15.
“We need to increase production. The blueprints we created last year were strong—but plans without execution are nothing. Now, we act—with urgency, with discipline, and with results that can be seen and felt,” said Laurel.
Further, the Secretary is seeking to accelerate the construction of cold storage facilities in the country to reduce farmers’ losses and enhance food security.
Early this year, the DA announced that it is set to build 99 cold storage facilities, earmarking ₱3 billion for the project.
Laurel is also pushing for a stricter implementation of the daily price index, which is seen as integral to stabilizing prices of goods as part of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law.
“Let us remain focused on delivering reliable services, strengthening our programs, and supporting the growth of our agriculture sector,” Laurel said.
To ensure that these projects are followed through, Laurel said he is committed to strengthening the Department’s internal performance evaluation system.
Close monitoring of performance among the DA’s offices and attached agencies is part of an ongoing effort to boost the agency’s contribution toward improving the agriculture sector, he said.
“Together, through shared effort and continuous improvement, we can build a department that delivers meaningful outcomes for our farmers, fisherfolk, and the communities we serve,” added Laurel.