Senator Kiko Pangilinan called on local government units (LGUs) across the country to emulate Albay province in fully implementing the Sagip Saka Act to strengthen support for farmers and fisherfolk while ensuring affordable food for consumers.
Pangilinan, a long-time champion of rural development and food security, said Albay’s proactive implementation of Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, demonstrates how local governments can directly help agricultural producers by purchasing their products without the need for multiple layers of middlemen and bureaucracies.
“Sana sumunod ang iba pang mga lalawigan sa halimbawa ng Albay na bumibili ng milyon-milyong pisong halaga ng produktong agrikultura direkta sa mga magsasaka sa tamang presyo gamit ang Sagip Saka Act,” the veteran legislator said in a media interview during his Albay visit.
Implementing the Sagip Saka Act, a law that the seasoned lawmaker authored and helped pass in 2019 to allow national and local governments to buy directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding, will encourage agricultural workers to plant more.
Improving the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk will also pave the way for the next generation to enter agricultural and fisheries work.
“Kung milyon na ang bentahan kung milyon-milyon ang binibili ng gobyerno sa magsasaka eh magkakaroon ng second generation.”
“Ang susunod na henerasyon ng ating kabataan na gusto magsaka, aba kung milyon na ang bentahan kung milyon-milyon ang binibili ng gobyerno sa magsasaka eh magkakaroon ng second generation o susunod na henerasyon mae-enganyo na rin magtanim. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating food security,” the senator pointed out.
According to him, direct procurement not only increases the income of producers, but also helps stabilize food prices and improve food security in communities.
Strengthening local agriculture should remain a national priority amid continuing challenges faced by the agriculture and fisheries sectors, especially with reports of the incoming El Niño phenomenon in the third and fourth quarters of this year, Pangilinan added.
“The Camarines Sur Multipurpose Cooperative increased its sales to P300 million in five years since implementing the Sagip Saka Act in 2020.”
Earlier, he cited the Camarines Sur Multipurpose Cooperative, which increased its sales to P300 million in five years since implementing the Sagip Saka Act in 2020.
Likewise, Pangilinan commended the Quezon City and Oriental Mindoro local governments for purchasing food needs directly from accredited farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives.
