CA confirms Dar as Agriculture secretary

The Commission on Appointments unanimously approved the confirmation of the appointment of Agriculture Secretary William Dar on Tuesday after nearly three hours of grilling on agricultural problems in the country.

CA member and Davao Oriental Representative Joel Alimario moved to recommend the confirmation of Dar’s appointment at the committee level, while it was An-Waray party-list Representative Bem Noel who sponsored the confirmation of Dar’s appointment before the Senate plenary.

Ahead of confirmation of Dar's appointment, Senator Bong Go noted that President Rodrigo Duterte expects too much from Dar, and that the Cabinet official should get the support of the commission.

Dar was primarily questioned about the Rice Tariffication law, galunggong importation, raising farmers’ income, and rice sufficiency.

Dar assured the senators that he will be on a mission to help farmers and fisherfolk.

“Marami pong salamat. Pag full-time ka na [sa appointment], dodoble ang ating efforts para sa magsasaka at mangingisda para [maging] sapat ang kanilang pagkain at [magkaroon sila ng] mataas na kita,” Dar told reporters.

“I am very flattered of the President’s expectations. It gives me more energy and passion to be of help,” he added.

Senator Cynthia Villar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, also vouched for Dar even if she earlier disagreed with Dar giving funding to the National Food Authority to buy palay from local farmers to mitigate the impact of Rice Tariffication law which allows unimpeded importation of rice.

“His appointment comes at an opportune time. To quote Lao Tzu, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear, and I believe that the agency is ready to be under his tutelage,” Villar said.

The CA also approved the promotion of 14 military officials on the same day before adjourning session. —VDS/KBK, GMA News