Senator Kiko Pangilinan called on the National Food Authority (NFA) and local government units (LGUs) to immediately buy palay and other produce directly from Filipino farmers at fair market prices, following reports that palay is now being bought at just ₱13 per kilo in some areas.
“₱13 kada kilo ang palay? Eh nasa ₱14–₱15 ang gastos sa produksyon. Ibig sabihin, bawat kilo, lugi ang magsasaka. Hindi tama. Hindi makatao. Hindi makatarungan,” Pangilinan said.
The veteran legislator called on the NFA to buy massively and directly from rice farmers to prevent further losses, and urged LGUs to activate RA 11321 or the Sagip Saka Law, which allows them to procure directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.
“Presyong makatarungan, hindi presyong palugi.”
“Kung hindi pa handa ang NFA, LGUs should step in. May batas. May paraan. May pondo. Gamitin ang Sagip Saka para makabili ng bigas, gulay, at iba pang ani—presyong makatarungan, hindi presyong palugi,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
The senator explained that the Sagip Saka Law can be used to purchase food for school feeding programs, food packs, relief goods, and other government supply needs—while ensuring that farmers earn a decent income.
“Imbes na middleman ang kumikita, diretso na sa magsasaka ang kita. Mas mura para sa gobyerno, mas malaki para sa nagtanim. Panalo lahat,” he said.
Pangilinan warned that if the government fails to act, more farmers may stop planting altogether—putting the country’s food supply at risk.
“Kapag nalugi ang magsasaka, hindi na ‘yan magtatanim ulit.”
“Kapag nalugi ang magsasaka, hindi na ‘yan magtatanim ulit. At kapag walang nagtanim, walang aanihin. Kapag tumigil sila, gutom ang kasunod,” he said.
Pangilinan also renewed his push for a permanent buffer fund to protect farmers against price crashes, and called for stronger coordination between the DA, NFA, and LGUs during harvest seasons.
“Walang kulay ang gutom. Walang kulay ang solusyon. Pero dapat may kinikilingan tayo—ang magsasakang Pilipino. ‘Pag sila nalugi, buong bansa ang talo,” he concluded.
