Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (center) underscored the department’s commitment to grow the agricultural sector, ensure food security, and foster sustainable economic development during the 'Up Close & Personal' networking and business forum, organized and hosted by World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM).

Secretary Tiu Laurel reported that the DA is collaborating closely with the private sector to address the 27-year backlog in agricultural investment. The four-year plan involves investing in more irrigation facilities, establishing water-impounding systems, developing deep-water agricultural ports, creating a robust cold storage network, and other relevant programs. In photo With Secretary Laurel are WTCMM Chairman & CEO Pamela D. Pascual and ICCP Group Chairman Guillermo D. Luchangco.