Leocadio Sebastian named undersecretary for Rice Industry Development

Resigned Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian has been appointed as undersecretary for the Rice Industry Development of the Department of Agriculture.

Sebastian's appointment paper, dated February 8, 2023, was shared to reporters covering the agriculture beat on Friday.

In the paper signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, it was indicated that Sebastian could represent the DA Secretary on rice matters, such as, but not limited to the Rice Competitiveness Enhance Fund - Program Steering Committee, Philippine Rice Research Institute Board of Directors, National Food Authority Council, National Irrigation Administration Board of Trustees, and International Rice Research Institute Board of Trustees.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. sits as the country's Agriculture chief.

Meanwhile, Sebastian will also lead in the formulation of operational plans for the development of the country's rice industry as well as in the enforcement of the Rice Industry Roadmap.

The Office of the President has cleared Sebastian and three Sugar Regulatory Administration officials of any liability in connection with a disavowed sugar importation order.

To recall, the said order would have allowed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar without Marcos' approval. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News