Manila, Jan. 1 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has urged Congress to accelerate the passage of long-pending measures and overhaul outdated institutions to revive a farm sector weighed down by years of sluggish performance.

In a press release on Thursday, Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking lawmakers' support to strengthen the sector's "structural backbone," starting with antiquated laws that limit agency efficiency and slow decision-making.

Recent reforms include the Animal Industry and Competitiveness Act, approved to modernize livestock, poultry and aquaculture, and provide PHP20 billion annually for 10 years. Amendments to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) law are also nearing completion t...