Marcos orders agencies to fully implement Sagip Saka Act

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday issued an executive order (EO) directing all agencies to fully implement a law that ensures the increase in productivity of farmers and fisherfolk through enterprise development and direct government procurement of their produce.

In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos signed Executive Order 101. 

The EO directs all national and local government agencies to fully implement the Sagip Saka Act, or Republic Act 11321, which establishes the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program to provide all forms of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk to reach their full potential, increase their income, and improve their quality of life.

EO 101 mandates all national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs) to align their programs, activities, and projects with the objectives of the Sagip Saka Act, which include capacity building, market access, enterprise support, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for small agricultural producers.

All government entities are also required to purchase agricultural and fishery products directly from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises (FFCEs)—a provision meant to ensure fair market opportunities for small-scale producers while reducing bureaucratic barriers. 

The EO directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to establish Sagip Saka Desks in its regional and field offices, which will serve as hubs for information, registration, and coordination related to enterprise development and direct procurement.

In issuing the order, Marcos noted that poverty incidence remains high among farmers and fisherfolk.

“We have to help our farmers and fisherfolk rise from poverty by empowering them to be more productive and increase their incomes,” the President said.

The order also asked for better teamwork and cooperation among government agencies, local government units, businesses, community groups, and schools to support agricultural growth and make sure farmers and fisherfolk can regularly access markets and government help, according to the PCO.

The PCO added that the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development (FFED) Council—created under the Sagip Saka Act—will oversee the order’s implementation, monitor progress, and submit biannual reports to the President.

The Sagip Saka Act was signed in 2019. —VBL, GMA Integrated News