Bongbong Marcos Says to Take on Agri Chief Job 'For Now'

President-elect Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. said Monday he would personally lead the Department of Agriculture once he assumes office.

Marcos Jr. said the country's agriculture problem is "severe enough" that's why he decided to take on the job himself.

"I have decided to take on the portfolio of Secretary of Agriculture at least for now," he said in a press briefing.

READ: Marcos Says P20 Per Kilo of Rice an 'Aspiration' as He Tackles Food Security

He added that the agriculture department needs to be restructured to be "more responsive" to the global food supply situation.

The Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc in late May warned of a "looming food crisis" due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war. The crisis, according to the agriculture department, could be felt by the last quarter of the year or the holiday season.

As early as April, some restaurants in the Philippines have reported shortages in customer favorites and staple food items due to shipping issues and supply woes.

READ: LIST: Food, Restaurant Favorites Hit by Shortage