June 12, 2024 - In a move to boost the agricultural sector, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has formed a technical working group (TWG) to streamline administrative procedures and eliminate non-tariff barriers on agricultural imports. The TWG is headed by Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulations Asis Perez, a former director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The TWG’s mandate includes consulting with the National Economic and Development Authority’s Committee on Tariff and Related Matters. This consultation aims to facilitate the importation of certain agricultural products beyond the quantity allowed under the Minimum Access Volume. The TWG will also work towards reducing, if not eliminating, administrative fees related to such importation.
Another key task for the TWG is to simplify the process and requirements for obtaining sanitary and phytosanitary permits, which are crucial for the importation of agricultural products. Furthermore, the group will take measures to enhance logistics, transport, distribution, and storage of imported agricultural products.
As per Special Order No. 7681, all DA agencies involved are required to publish their respective guidelines on the streamlined procedures, requirements, and policies in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of national circulation.
Secretary Tiu Laurel has also ordered the creation of the TWG’s secretariat, led by lawyer Jomila May Fugaban. The secretariat team is responsible for regular reporting to the DA Secretary, ensuring the efficient functioning of the TWG.
Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., a Filipino billionaire and a fishing tycoon, has been serving as the Philippine Secretary of Agriculture since 2023. He was also the President of the Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a deep-sea fishing company operating in the Asia-Pacific region. His extensive experience in the agricultural and fisheries industry is expected to bring valuable insights to the TWG’s mission.
This initiative is a significant step towards improving the efficiency of agricultural import procedures, which is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s agricultural sector and overall economy.