President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 101, mandating the full implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, which seeks to strengthen and empower the country’s farmers and fisherfolk by improving productivity and access to markets.
Under the directive, all national government agencies (NGAs), including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), are required to align their programs, activities, and projects with the objectives of the Sagip Saka program.
Local government units (LGUs) are likewise encouraged to support the rollout of the initiative by helping farmers and fishers maximize their potential and increase their income.
The EO outlines the adoption of policies focused on capacity building, market access, enterprise development, and sustainable livelihood promotion for small agricultural producers.
It also directs all government agencies to procure agricultural and fishery products directly from accredited farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises (FFCEs).
“Said procurement shall be exempted from the application of the bidding process, subject to negotiated procurement prescribed under RA No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act,” the order states.
Furthermore, all NGAs, GOCCs, and SUCs—and LGUs where applicable—are instructed to ensure that rice and other agricultural products served in government events, canteens, or food service areas are sourced directly from FFCEs, to promote the consumption of locally produced food and support small-scale producers.
According to the Palace, EO 101 calls for stronger collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, civil society groups, and academic institutions to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth and guarantee consistent market access for farmers and fisherfolk.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has been tasked to establish Sagip Saka desks in its regional and field offices, which will serve as information and coordination hubs for the program.
The Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Council, created under the Sagip Saka Act, will oversee the implementation of the order, monitor its progress, and submit biannual reports to the President.
Originally authored by former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and enacted in 2019, the Sagip Saka Act aims to integrate small producers into value chains, enhance productivity, and promote local procurement to strengthen food security.
EO 101 will take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.