Manila, July 8 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is set to take a two-week leave to undergo a medical procedure, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Tuesday.

Tiu Laurel said the procedure had to be deferred when he assumed office in November 2023.

In a statement, Tiu Laurel assured continuous monitoring of the department's programs and projects despite his temporary absence.

"Even while I'm abroad for my medical leave, I will continue to monitor developments on the ground. Tuloy-tuloy lang ang trabaho (My work continues)," he said.

The DA, however, did not disclose specifics of Tiu Laurel's scheduled medical procedure.

The agriculture chief's leave will run from July 9 to 23, with the target return on July...