With the clearer procurement guidelines for the landmark 2019 Sagip Saka Act to be out soon, the Philippines is a step closer to fully implementing a law that will uplift the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk by promoting the direct purchase of their produce by government institutions without public bidding, Senator Kiko Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan had just received a copy of Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Circular No. 02-2025, or the Guidelines for the Procurement of Agricultural and Fishery Products under Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act.
“This has been a long time coming. We passed the law in 2019 and it has yet to be fully implemented, which deprived our farmers and fisherfolk of the necessary support that should have been theirs since six years ago,” the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform said.
The new GPPB guidelines clarify and streamline procedures for the direct procurement of food products from duly accredited farmers and fisherfolk organizations, ensuring that national and local government agencies can efficiently source food and agricultural products without unnecessary red tape.
The veteran legislator said the GPPB’s move will make the Sagip Saka Act more effective in addressing long-standing challenges faced by small agricultural producers.
“These guidelines are a major step toward empowering our farmers and fisherfolk,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
“By simplifying procurement processes and reducing barriers, we help ensure that every peso of government spending supports local food producers and strengthens our food security.”
“By simplifying procurement processes and reducing barriers, we help ensure that every peso of government spending supports local food producers and strengthens our food security,” the senator added.
The Circular, which is yet to be published and will become effective only after 15 days following its publication in the Official Gazette, puts in place the rules and procedures for the purchase of agricultural products under the Sagip Saka Act.
It also operationalizes the Inclusive Procurement Program under Section 75 of Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), which provides that procuring entities shall integrate marginalized groups and socially responsible enterprises into government procurement.
He emphasized that the new guidelines come at a crucial time for the agricultural sector as it faces the effects of climate change, high input costs, and various market disruptions.
“This is what the Sagip Saka Act is all about—a fairer, more inclusive system where our farmers and fisherfolk are partners, not just suppliers.”
“This is what the Sagip Saka Act is all about—a fairer, more inclusive system where our farmers and fisherfolk are partners, not just suppliers,” Escudero said. “We thank the GPPB for recognizing the spirit of the law and for working with stakeholders to make its implementation truly meaningful.”
He added that the updated guidelines will help strengthen farm-to-institution linkages, stabilize rural incomes, and support the government’s food self-sufficiency goals.
