Local government units were urged to follow Albay province’s example in fully implementing the Sagip Saka Act, a measure that allows government agencies to buy directly from farmers and fisherfolk to boost rural incomes and help keep food prices affordable.
During a visit to Albay on Thursday, May 28, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the province has shown how local governments can use Republic Act No. 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act to support agricultural producers by purchasing their goods at fair prices without going through layers of middlemen.
“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,” he said in a media interview.
The Sagip Saka Act allows national and local government units to directly procure agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives without public bidding.
Supporters of the measure said direct procurement can help increase producers’ earnings, encourage higher farm output, and strengthen food security in communities.
He noted that better income opportunities could also encourage the next generation to enter agriculture and fisheries, especially if young people see farming as a stable and viable livelihood.
“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,” he said.
He added that strengthening local agriculture should remain a priority as farmers and fisherfolk continue to face production challenges, including the expected impact of El Niño in the third and fourth quarters of the year.
Camarines Sur Multipurpose Cooperative was earlier cited as among the groups that benefited from Sagip Saka, with sales reportedly rising to P300 million five years after implementing the law in 2020.
Quezon City and Oriental Mindoro were also recognized for directly sourcing food requirements from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives.