Hard work begins!

“I’M HUMBLED BY YOUR TRUST,

CONFIDENCE, MR. PRESIDENT”

Yesterday, President Rody Duterte presided over a small group meeting which included the Chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines, the President of Land Bank and the Secretary of Agriculture where he issued directives that the lending programs of both banks should be made easier and accessible to agriculture and fisheries stakeholders.

I did not have any idea at the time that he had already signed Executive Order Number 62 which transferred back to the Department of Agriculture three agencies – the National Food Authority (NFA), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority – which were placed under the Office of the President during the previous administration.

It was only after the meeting when I learned that EO 62 had been signed by the President and released by the Malacanang Records Office.

I am humbled by the President’s trust and confidence but at the same time, I also understand his huge expectations.

There are, of course, issues which must be resolved in the coconut industry which is under PCA and the fertilizer and pesticides sector which is under FPA.

The burning issue of the day, however, is the NFA and the messy situation it is in right now.

The image of the NFA as an agency which bungled the rice importation program which led to a spike in the prices of commercial rice in the market must be corrected.

Most of all, the NFA must be able to reassure the people that there is enough rice stocks – and the truth is there is really enough rice supply – to calm the market and stabilize the prices.

There are also fundamental issues which must be addressed including the proposal to increase the buying price of paddy rice produced by the Filipino farmers, actions against rice hoarding, ensuring availability of NFA rice especially in areas recently hit by Typhoon Ompong and perceptions of corruption in the agency.

Today, I will meet with the top officials of the NFA and start cracking the whip.

On Monday, Sept. 24, I will preside over the first NFA Council meeting where the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture sits as Chair of the NFAC.

The task is gargantuan and daunting but I will do my best to live up to the expectations of the President and the Filipino people.

Thank you, Mr. President!