Philippines' president-elect Marcos promises his people will not suffer a food crisis due to global challenges

Honour guards hold a Philippine flag during the 124th Philippine Independence Day Commemoration, at the Rizal Park, in Manila, Philippines. - Reuters

MANILA, June 21 (Reuters): Philippines' President-elect Ferdinand Marcos awarded himself the post of agriculture minister, citing the urgent need to address challenges in the sector and boost production to prevent food shortages and price increases.

Ramping up agricultural production in a country known for being one of the world's biggest importers of rice, its national staple, would be among his priorities, Marcos told a news conference.