Department of Agriculture to focus on reforms

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has ordered his men to focus on agricultural reforms in the country, particularly in Mindanao, to ensure bountiful harvests this year.

He said the Department of Agriculture will double its efforts to attain rice sufficiency this year.

Even President Aquino has boasted about the gains of the department in agricultural reforms under the leadership of Alcala.

The President said unlike in the past administration “which was involved in several anomalous agricultural projects, farmers can now feel the reforms in the agriculture sector.”

“Let us not be complacent. Instead, the President’s encouraging words for DA should be taken as a challenge to us,” Alcala told his personnel as he encouraged them to continue working for the welfare of farmers.

Aquino also lauded the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which is under the DA for the continuing reforms in the country’s irrigation system.

NIA chief Antonio Nangel said the public should expect more programs for the farmers in the coming years.

“With all the encouraging words coming from the President, rest assured that the DA will work harder,” he said.