Sen. Bong Go emphasized ensuring the country's food security as a crucial factor to achieve inclusive economic recovery.

He also urged authorities to address other issues besetting the agriculture sector, regardless of whether President Bongbong Marcos chooses to appoint a secretary or remain as head of the Department of Agriculture.

"Gaya ng sinabi ko, prerogative po 'yan ng Pangulo. That's entirely up to the President," said Go in an ambush interview after personally aiding fire victims in Malabon City on Friday, 21 October.

"Importante naman po para sa atin, whether meron na tayong full-fledged (DA) secretary or kung si Pangulong Marcos po ang mananatili, importante ay mabigyan ng agarang solusyon ang isyu ng matataas na presyo ng farm products, mababang farm gate prices, at agricultural smuggling. Dapat mapigilan po itong smuggling," he added.

Go then stressed that ordinary Filipinos, not smugglers, should reap the benefits of agriculture the most.

"Dapat po ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan ang makikinabang dito sa agriculture, hindi 'yung mga smuggler, hindi lang 'yung mga (malalaking) negosyante," said Go.

He continued by urging authorities to prioritize the welfare of Filipino farmers in order to ensure a productive agricultural sector while providing economic opportunities in rural areas.

"Unahin po natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga farmers… Ang importante po buhay ang ating mga farmers, may hanapbuhay sila, tuluy-tuloy po ang kita dahil tandaan natin mayroon pong binubuhay na pamilya ang ating mga farmers. Maliliit lang po ang kita niyan. Ang importante walang magutom na Pilipino. Walang magutom na farmers," he added.