Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. on Thursday said he asked the private sector for broader wisdom in formulating national policies and programs to fast-track the modernization of Philippine agriculture in increasing food production and to ensure food security.

"The collaboration of government and the private sector is crucial. We highlight the efforts and dedication of our partners in building a sustainable set of options for the future of agriculture and fisheries," Laurel told the ninth National Agriculture and Fisheries Volunteers' Day celebration and awarding ceremony of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries.

"Over the years, the private sector has been an invaluable partner of the Department of Agriculture in the development process of the industry," he added.

Since taking over the reins of the Department of Agriculture from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. early in November, Secretary Laurel has gone to various parts of the country to meet government officials, investors, industry experts, farmers, fishermen, and other sector stakeholders to drum up support for the government's push for food self-sufficiency, reduction of agricultural products importation, and to make agriculture a career-option for the younger generation.

"Prompting people participation and ensuring sustainable development through sound policy recommendations are key factors that we can embrace to maintain a functional and holistic approach in dealing with the sector's challenges," Laurel said.

"We've been stressing from day one—since I was appointed as the new Agriculture Secretary—the need to modernize the agriculture sector, not only to feed 118 million Filipinos but ensure food security by practicing a whole-of-nation approach," he added.

PCAF is an attached agency of the DA that nurtures private-public partnerships in policy development and promotes and facilitates broad-based participatory development mechanisms and processes in the agriculture and fisheries sector through the National Sectoral Committees at the national level and the Agriculture and Fishery Councils at the regional and local levels.

"I would count on the support and cooperation of everyone in the DA, including you, to implement the necessary programs and projects for our farmers and fisherfolk at the grassroots level," Laurel said.

The agriculture chief said private sector partners of the DA could also assist the government in policy and project monitoring to "maximize the benefits derived from these interventions."