When Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel took office under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in November 2023, he received three clear directives—clean up the department, implement ₱20-per-kilo rice, and help farmers earn.
Years later, Tiu Laurel says there have been wins—but also unfinished business. He revealed how the mandates fared in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on July 18, as part of the DZRH SONA 2026 Series.
“Ang sabi ho ng Pangulo nung sinabi niya, ‘Ikaw na ang sa Department of Agriculture.’ Unang sinabi niya, ‘First of all, clean it up.’ Pangalawa, ‘Yung bente-pesos na rice, kailangan ma-implement natin iyan.’ At pangatlo, ‘Kailangan kumita yung ating farmers,'” Tiu Laurel said.
On the first directive—cleaning up the DA—Tiu Laurel says they have made real headway.
Rice smuggling is nearly gone. Fish importation has been halved from 600,000 to 300,000 tons. The administration has also seized the highest value of smuggled agricultural goods in history.
“Nakatutok ho tayo talaga, at talagang kahit na may pressure, may mga threats pa at lahat diyan, matibay ho tayo dahil suportado tayo ng ating Pangulo,” he said.
On the ₱20 rice—now available in 792 stores nationwide—Tiu Laurel calls it a success, having cost only ₱2 billion in additional funding over a year and a half.
The program currently serves around 5 million Filipinos, with a target of 15 million by the end of the year.
On making farmers earn, Tiu Laurel says progress has been made in rice, sugar, and aquaculture—but overproduction of bangus and tilapia remains a challenge requiring immediate attention.
“Nag-succeed tayo in some areas. Ngayon, kailangan lang masiguro namin na sa susunod nitong October, November, December, at next year sa harvest ay maayos ang kita,” Tiu Laurel said.
