Pangilinan pushes full enforcement of Sagip Saka Act to support local farmers

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Saturday, Oct. 26, welcomed the full implementation of Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 101 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directing government agencies to directly purchase products from local farmers and fisherfolk.

Pangilinan, the principal author of the Sagip Saka Act, said the order ensures that government institutions buy food supplies directly from accredited farmers’ cooperatives and associations without public bidding, allowing producers to gain better income from their harvests.

“Sa pamamagitan ng Executive Order na ito, ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno sa nasyonal at lokal ay minamandato na direktang bumili ng kanilang mga pangangailangan agrikultural sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” Pangilinan said in a Facebook post.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), under EO 101, will lead the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development (FFED) Program, which coordinates the procurement of agricultural and fishery products nationwide.

Pangilinan emphasized that the Sagip Saka Act will help reduce poverty in the agricultural sector by strengthening market access and guaranteeing stable demand from government institutions.

“Tulad ng ating pangako noong inihain natin ang ating kandidatura: walang kulay ang gutom,” he said.

Enacted in 2019, Republic Act No. 11321 aims to promote enterprise development among farmers and fisherfolk by providing direct access to government procurement, credit, and training programs.

The DA also announced that Sagip Saka Desks will be established across regional and field offices to assist farmers in documentation, accreditation, and coordination.

Pangilinan, who has consistently pushed for agricultural reform, said the measure is part of his long-term vision of strengthening the country’s food system through inclusive economic programs.

“By fully implementing the Sagip Saka Act, we are giving our farmers a fighting chance to thrive,” he added.

The Sagip Saka Act remains one of Pangilinan’s key legislative achievements, reflecting his advocacy for fair prices, food sufficiency, and the recognition of farmers as vital contributors to national development.