Agriculture Secretary Sets High Bar for Two Top Officials

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has set a six-month deadline for two senior officials within the Department of Agriculture (DA) to enhance their performance. During a recent media dinner, Tiu Laurel expressed his high expectations and dissatisfaction with the current output of these officials, though he did not reveal their identities or specific roles. He emphasized that his expectations are not unreasonable but are based on his accustomed standards of excellence. Tiu Laurel also voiced his frustration over having to intervene in year-end tasks, which he feels should have been managed without his direct involvement, especially given his packed schedule. Despite these concerns, the DA Secretary remains pleased with the department’s overall response to various challenges, including natural disasters and disease outbreaks like El Niño, La Niña, typhoons, African swine fever, and avian influenza. He believes the DA has effectively managed the necessary actions in response to these crises.