MANILA, May 5 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday pushed for the fast delivery of programs supporting local farmers and fishers in the country in line with the food security, accessibility, and affordability targets of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.

"Let us do our part because every day we spend in public service is a day truly felt by those who need it most," he said in a statement for the celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month.

Tiu Laurel said the programs include increasing the National Food Authority's (NFA) buying price for palay (unhusked rice), which ranges from PHP23/kg to PHP30/kg for dry palay; and PHP17/kg to PHP23/kg for fresh or wet palay to boost the income of local farm...