As the Philippines’ agriculture sector grapples with a myriad of challenges—from fluctuating prices of essential commodities to the destructive forces of climate change—one man has stepped into the “perfect storm” with resilience and determination: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Known for his unorthodox path to success and his reputation as a self-made billionaire in the fishing industry, Tiu Laurel’s first year in public service has been far from easy.
Yet, in the face of adversity, his leadership has started to steer the Department of Agriculture (DA) toward meaningful change.
Looking back on his first year, the agriculture chief does not shy away from acknowledging the difficulty of his new role.
“Nung first four months sa opisina na ito, medyo nagsisisi talaga ako, na kinuha ko ‘yung portfolio.”
“Well, honestly, nung first four months sa opisina na ito, medyo nagsisisi talaga ako, na kinuha ko ‘yung portfolio,” the agriculture head admitted during a speech at the DA’s regular flag ceremony recently.
The ceremony took place under an overcast sky, a sign that Typhoon Nika was about to make landfall in the northern province of Aurora. It’s a sentiment many new public servants might share, but for Tiu Laurel, it highlights the daunting responsibility he took on as the head of an agency that impacts every Filipino, from farmers in rural provinces to consumers in urban centers.
“This department is one of the most complicated and diverse in this country,” he reflected. “It affects everybody talaga eh.”
Despite these early misgivings, Tiu Laurel’s commitment to the role has only deepened over time.
“But after four months, medyo nakuha na yung groove,” he continued, speaking about the growing sense of purpose he felt as he began to understand the intricacies of government work. One of the factors that gave him hope was the team he encountered at the DA.
“I get to meet many of the wonderful people sa DA na napakagaling,” Tiu Laurel said, praising the staff for their expertise and dedication. “Hindi lang kayo, ‘yung mga kasama ko, nakakausap ko, na maraming magaling na tao talaga sa DA. So, palakpakan ninyo ng inyong sarili.”
The road hasn’t been smooth, though. The past year has been marked by a series of challenges, including the effects of both El Niño and La Niña weather patterns, rising inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and the ever-increasing prices of essential commodities.
But despite sailing into a “perfect storm,” as he aptly described it—unable to resist a reference to what veteran sailors fear—Tiu Laurel believes the department has made progress.
“I think, relatively, we are okay,” he said, recalling the stabilization of prices, particularly the reduction of exorbitant onion prices, which had soared to P700 per kilo earlier.
“At ang problema na lang natin ngayon na malaki is ‘yung bigas. At I think on the way nang mababa ‘yan with all our efforts,” Tiu Laurel added.
He was candid enough to admit that he isn’t fully satisfied with his performance thus far.
Although he has years of experience in business, Tiu Laurel was unfamiliar with the intricacies of working in government, much less managing national agricultural policy.
“My personal assessment, I would say, is not that great,” he confessed. “But of course, marami ngang challenges talaga this year.”
Looking to the future, Tiu Laurel is determined that the coming year will be different.
“No more excuses for me. No more excuses for us.”
“No more excuses for me. No more excuses for us,” he declared, expressing confidence that the challenges of climate change—such as the cyclical impacts of El Niño and La Niña—will not define the next phase of his tenure.
With these weather patterns no longer in play, Tiu Laurel is optimistic about the future.
“Basta magtulong-tulungan tayo sa aking second year, we can achieve so many things,” he said, underscoring the importance of unity and collaboration within the department.
Tiu Laurel is also quick to point out that significant strides have already been made.
Among the initiatives already underway are the construction of rice processing centers, as well as the purchase of the necessary machinery to modernize farming. The department has also been revising policies to improve efficiency and effectiveness. These efforts, he believes, will set the foundation for long-term growth in the sector.
The transformation, however, is not just about infrastructure and policy; it is about fostering a more cohesive and coordinated workforce within the DA. “I think we’re more coordinated as a whole DA family rin, kasama na ‘yung Bureau of Fisheries,” he noted, pointing to the growing synergy between the various divisions of the department. With better coordination, he believes the DA will be better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
“I’m quite optimistic that we will all perform better next year,” Tiu Laurel said.
“Para mangyari ‘yan, kailangan ko talaga ang tulong ng buong DA family,” he added, urging his colleagues to continue their hard work and dedication.
In return, Tiu Laurel promised to remain accessible to them.
“Just send me an email, text, or letter, or go to my office if it’s really urgent, and I’m willing to listen to everybody,” he assured.
