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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Economy devider Agri chief takes medical leave

Agri chief takes medical leave

Published Jul 8, 2025 05:36 pm
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel (DA photo)
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel (DA photo)
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel will take a two-week medical leave abroad beginning Wednesday, July 9, to undergo a procedure he has deferred for nearly two years.
In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Roger Navarro will be the officer-in-charge for the two weeks.
The DA did not disclose Laurel’s medical procedure, but noted that it has been deferred since he assumed the role of secretary in November 2023.
Laurel, who previously headed food manufacturing firm Frabelle Fishing Corp., replaced President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who concurrently served as the DA chief.
He is expected to resume his duties by July 24, ahead of Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
“Even while I’m abroad for my medical leave, I will continue to monitor developments on the ground. Tuloy-tuloy lang ang trabaho (The work continues),” said Laurel.
The DA said this announcement was made to “prevent any speculation” about the secretary’s prolonged absence.

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Department of Agriculture Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel
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