MANILA, Philippines: The Commission on Appointments on Tuesday approved the ad interim appointments of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as Agriculture Secretary and Teodoro Herbosa as Health Secretary.
Laurel, who has been appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has been tasked with a mission to weed out corruption within the Department of Agriculture (DA), combat food smuggling, and boost food production in the country.
In line with President Marcos’ instructions, Laurel intends to collaborate with both national and international law enforcement agencies to tackle issues related to food hoarding, price manipulation, and smuggling.
Laurel emphasized, “Bolstering food production and modernizing agriculture are crucial pillars in building a Bagong Pilipinas (new Philippines).” To achieve this, he plans to enlist the expertise of biologists, data scientists, and academic institutions to address challenges such as Avian flu, African swine fever, and red tide.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Herbosa has made a recommendation for the optional wearing of face masks in enclosed places, particularly for individuals at higher risk of contracting illnesses, such as the elderly.
Highlighting that December is a season of respiratory illnesses, Herbosa advises individuals who are sick not to attend parties to prevent the spread of infections to others.
These recent appointments reflect the Philippine government’s commitment to addressing pressing issues in the agricultural sector and public health. By appointing Laurel and Herbosa, President Marcos aims to bring about positive changes and improvements in these crucial areas.
The appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as Agriculture Secretary signifies the government’s determination to combat corruption and promote transparency within the Department of Agriculture. With a focus on eliminating scalawags, Laurel aims to restore public trust and confidence in the department’s operations.
Additionally, Laurel has been tasked with curbing food smuggling and increasing food production. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, he plans to seek assistance from both national and international law enforcement agencies to tackle the issues of food hoarding, price manipulation, and smuggling. By doing so, Laurel aims to ensure a fair and stable food market for the Filipino people.
To achieve the goal of bolstering food production and modernizing agriculture, Laurel intends to tap into the expertise of biologists, data scientists, and the academe. By working closely with these professionals, he aims to address challenges such as the Avian flu, African swine fever, and red tide. This collaborative approach will enable the Department of Agriculture to develop effective strategies and implement necessary measures to safeguard the country’s agricultural resources.
On the other hand, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s recommendation for the optional wearing of face masks in enclosed places aims to mitigate the risk of respiratory illnesses, especially among vulnerable individuals such as the elderly. Recognizing that December is a season when respiratory illnesses are more prevalent, Herbosa advises individuals who are sick to refrain from attending parties to prevent the spread of infections to others.
These recent appointments reflect the government’s commitment to addressing crucial issues in the agricultural sector and public health. By appointing Laurel and Herbosa, President Marcos demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of the Filipino people by promoting transparency, combating corruption, and safeguarding public health.
In conclusion, the ad interim appointments of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as Agriculture Secretary and Teodoro Herbosa as Health Secretary signify the Philippine government’s proactive approach to addressing key challenges in agriculture and public health. Through their respective roles, Laurel and Herbosa aim to bring about positive changes and improvements in their respective sectors, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
