President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently issued Executive Order No. 101, directing the full implementation of the 6-year-old Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, which establishes a program for farmers and fisherfolk aimed at improving their production and productivity.
Under the executive order, all national government agencies (NGAs), including government-owned or controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges, are directed to align their programs, activities, and projects with the objectives of Sagip Saka.
Local government units are also enjoined to support the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act to help local farmers and fisherfolk reach their full potential and achieve better incomes.
EO101 mandates the adoption of measures supporting farmers and fisherfolk, including capacity building, market access, enterprise support, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for small agricultural producers.
It also orders all government agencies to directly purchase agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises (FFCEs). That includes products served in government events and food service areas or canteens, in order to promote the consumption of locally produced food and to support small producers.
It also calls for greater convergence and collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, private sector, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and development partners to advance inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth and ensure that farmers and fisherfolk gain consistent access to markets and government support.
The Sagip Saka Act, signed into law in 2019, aims to empower local farmers and fisherfolk by integrating them into value chains, enhancing productivity, and promoting local procurement.
Our country has many well-meaning laws that are often forgotten, especially as administrations and government priorities change. Every now and then, a spotlight is focused on those dormant laws, empowering it to maximize its benefits for the intended sectors. Hopefully EO101 can revitalize the Sagip Saka Act for the good of farmers and fisherfolk of this nation who need all the help they can get, especially if it is already there, just waiting to be tapped and properly managed.*
