Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Thursday praised the issuance of two executive orders (EOs) designed to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector, describing them as a “timely lifeline” for farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers still reeling from high fuel costs and recent calamities.
“Sinasalamin ng mga ito ang isang mapagpasyang pagbabago tungo sa pagpapahalaga sa mga nagpapakain sa atin,” Pangilinan said in a joint press briefing, also expressing support for the government’s rice import ban and planned tariff hike.
Under EO No. 100, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is directed to set a floor price for government purchases of palay (unmilled rice) to prevent farmers from selling below production costs, especially during peak harvest.
Meanwhile, EO No. 101 mandates the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, allowing government agencies and local governments to directly source rice and other farm goods from local producers.
“Magkatuwang ang dalawang EO na ito. Pinoprotektahan ng EO 100 ang mga magsasaka mula sa predatory pricing, habang tinitiyak ng EO 101 na ang pamahalaan ang magiging pinakamalaki at maaasahang buyer ng mga magsasaka,” Pangilinan said.
He emphasized that these reforms—alongside tariff adjustments and stricter import controls—could help revive rural livelihoods and strengthen food security.
“Kapag tubo o huling Pinas ang binili natin, pinapakain natin ang ating mga sarili… Ibig sabihin, kumikita nang sapat ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at sapat at abot-kaya ang nasa hapag-kainan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he added.