INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Actor, and singer James Reid has been named as the Department of Agriculture’s Ambassador of Food Security.
On Tuesday, Reid shared the news via an Instagram post where he thanked the agency for trusting him with the position.
“LETS GROOOW! Thank you to the Department of Agriculture and Secretary Dar for trusting me with the role of Ambassador of Food Security. Thanks for the gift. Can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on during quarantine! #plantplantplant,” Reid said.
Reid, together with DA officials on Tuesday also launched the agency’s Plant, Plant, Plant program.
“For me, the farmers and fisherfolk are the backbone and heartbeat of our economy. So I’d like to encourage the younger generation to be more involved and support the farmers and fisherfolk,” Reid said in a video message aired over RTVM.
During an online press conference, DA spokesperson Noel Reyes said Reid volunteered and his appointment as ambassador is free of charge.
“Wala po syang bayad, siya po ay nag-volunteer,” Reyes said.
(He would not be paid any fee, he volunteered.)
Reyes said Reid is only one among many others whom the agency is in coordination with to promote the agency’s Plant, Plant, Plant program.
In a statement, DA said Reid as a food security ambassador will inform the public “on ensuring sustained food security, food accessibility, and affordability.
Reid will also “encourage the youth and other advocates on the important roles of farmers and fishers, their hard work, and their valuable contributions to the country.”
DA Secretary William Dar stressed the importance of agriculture to “reduce poverty” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We believe that economic growth in agriculture is more effective at reducing poverty and food insecurity than growth in other sectors. Investments in agriculture can help revive food production and create jobs, following a crisis, and enable rural communities to recover,” Dar said, as quoted in the statement.