Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed strong disappointment on Thursday regarding recent remarks made by Vice President Sara Duterte questioning the quality of rice distributed by the National Food Authority (NFA), which is planned to be sold at P20 per kilo.
Secretary Laurel, who also chairs the NFA Council, underscored the department's dedication and commitment to delivering quality rice to Filipino families, emphasizing the impact of the Vice President's remarks on the morale of farmers and agricultural workers nationwide.
"With all due respect to the Vice President, the Department of Agriculture (DA) family is deeply hurt by her suggestion that NFA rice is ‘hindi pang tao, pang hayop,’" Laurel stated, highlighting the unintended negative impact these comments have on the perception of local agricultural products.
He reinforced that the rice distribution initiative is critical to fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s campaign promise from 2022, aimed at alleviating financial burdens and improving food accessibility for Filipino families, particularly those from vulnerable communities.
"We at the DA cook and eat NFA rice daily. We personally vouch for its quality and safety," Laurel said, countering misconceptions about the rice's quality and affirming the department’s rigorous quality assurance standards.
Secretary Laurel also reminded the public and leaders alike that the NFA is mandated by law to source rice exclusively from local farmers, directly supporting and uplifting domestic agriculture. Labeling NFA rice as animal feed unjustly undermines the hard work and quality production efforts of Filipino farmers.
"This is false and unfair to our farmers. We take pride in Filipino rice, which meets stringent standards and is thoroughly vetted for safety and quality," he reiterated.
Secretary Laurel urged unity among government leaders, inviting Vice President Duterte to collaborate constructively with the DA in addressing and resolving challenges faced by ordinary Filipinos daily.
"This initiative is for the Filipino people, whom we have all sworn to serve," Laurel stated. "Their well-being and interests must remain our highest priority. Let us set aside differences and work hand-in-hand towards shared goals."
The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to serve the public with integrity, ensuring that Filipinos nationwide receive quality agricultural products, especially through the critical NFA rice initiative.
Photo by Pille R. Priske on Unsplash
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