Marcos appoints fishing exec Laurel as DA chief

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., former president of Frabelle Fishing Corp., as the new Secretary of Agriculture on Friday.

Laurel’s appointment is seen as a breakthrough for the neglected fisheries sector, with his extensive experience in agriculture and fisheries expected to focus on production growth while prioritizing sustainability.

Analysts like Roehlano M. Briones from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies caution that sustainability must also be a priority, while Calixto V. Chikiamco sees Laurel’s appointment as positive due to his expertise in food processing and ability to draw on experts for guidance.

Bienvenido Oplas Jr., president of Minimal Government Thinkers, anticipates that Laurel will prioritize corporate and capital-intensive farming methods to increase output and harvest per hectare.

Laurel donated P30 million to Marcos's campaign in the 2022 national elections and has been at the helm of Frabelle Fishing Corporation since its establishment in 1966.