Palace Assures Continuity of Food Security Program Despite Resignation of Sec. Pangilinan

(PCOO) — Malacañang on Tuesday assured the continuity of the government’s food security program despite the resignation of Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, Secretary Francis Pangilinan.

“Merong Cabinet committee na nagsasagawa ng action planning hinggil diyan. Ito ang Food Security Council, ito ay sa pangunguna ni (Economic Planning) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a media briefing, when asked how Secretary Pangilinan’s resignation would affect the food security program as the threat of El Niño looms.

“Mayroong pangalawang meeting bukas (Wednesday) sa NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) para bigyan pa ng sustansiya ang mga nailatag na mga action plans. Kaya tuluy-tuloy lang doon sa action planning at ‘yung pagresponde sa sitwasyon ng El Niño,” he added.

Balisacan is NEDA’s director general.

Coloma further said that other government programs will not be affected once other public officials resign to run in next year’s elections.

“Kung meron mang magbibitiw, tinitiyak ang continuity at ‘yung pagtutok sa mga mahahalagang suliranin, lalung-lalo na doon sa napipintong El Niño,” he said.

“Walang epekto ang mga kaganapang ito dahil pinaghahandaan naman at puspusan pa rin ang pagtatrabaho ng buong pamahalaan,” he added.

The country is facing a severe spell of El Niño until the first quarter of next year.

Pangilinan has tendered his resignation, effective September 30. According to reports, he has disclosed that he is planning to run for the Senate in next year’s elections. PND (ag)