From handling his family's business, fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will now lead the country's Agriculture department currently hounded by rising prices, production, and supply issues.
Laurel, Kiko to his friends and colleagues, joined his family’s business— Frabelle Fishing Corporation— in 1985, where he moved from division to division, learning as much as he can about the company’s operations and processes first hand.
He trained in refrigeration, net manufacturing, engine overhauling, electronics, hydraulics, food manufacturing, shipbuilding, and ship repair.
Frabelle Fishing Corporation is the world’s third largest tuna fishing company with a major presence in the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and many other major regions across the globe.
Prior to his appointment to the DA post, Laurel also held the following positions: president of Agusan Power Corporation which operates a 24.9 Megawatt Hydro Electric Power plant in Agusan del Norte and chairman of the World Tuna Purse Seine Organization that advocates sustainable resource management of fishing operations globally and a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council for Agriculture.
Currently, he is a captain and commander in the Naval Affiliated Reserve Force NCR (WESPHIL) of the Philippine Navy.
Laurel, 56, is President Marcos' long-time friend.
During the announcement of his appointment at the Malacañan Palace, with reporters and Laurel's family in attendance, Marcos said he has known him since they were boys.
According to Marcos, his long-time friendship with Laurel, whom he also calls Kiko, has given him the confidence to appoint him to the post he held on for more than a year.
"I've known him since we were boys. So, malakas ang loob ko na ma-i-appoint siya kasi kilala ko pagkatao niya. Alam kong napakasipag nito, unang-una. Pangalawa, nauunawaan niya nang mabuti ang sistema ng agrikultura dito sa Pilipinas (So, I am confident to appoint him because I know his whole personality. I know that he is hardworking and he understands very well the system of agriculture here in the Philippines)," Marcos vouched for his long-time pal.
"So, I am expecting that he will do a good job," he said.
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