Laurel takes medical leave, DA partners with DSWD for P20 rice

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is taking a two-week medical leave starting Wednesday, July 9, to undergo an unspecified procedure in Hong Kong that he deferred since joining the government in November 2023.

Tiu Laurel assured that he will continue to monitor developments and stated, 'the work continues' during his absence.

DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro will serve as officer-in-charge while Tiu Laurel is on leave, resuming duties by July 24 before the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for July 28.

The Department of Agriculture also announced a partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to roll out P20 rice for beneficiaries of the 'Walang Gutom' program, which currently serves over 300,000 families and will expand to 750,000 households by 2028.

This initiative aims to provide healthier meals at a significantly reduced cost while also benefiting rice farmers by freeing up storage space for palay purchases at fair prices.