President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has pushed for the full rollout of the Sagip Saka Act and the creation of a Congressional Commission on Agriculture (AGRICOM) as part of his administration’s drive to make food more affordable and to uplift the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk.
The President made the statement after a meeting with Cabinet officials and lawmakers at Malacañan Palace on Thursday.
“Sagip Saka Act at AGRICOM, aarangkada na para sa mas murang pagkain at sapat na kita para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” Marcos said in a post on Facebook.
Joining the meeting were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Apayao Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, and Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), discussions focused on strengthening support for farmers through direct purchase of their produce, along with expanded extension services from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Cooperative Development Authority.
The DA said it plans to deploy 6,000 staff nationwide to help farmers adopt modern technology and improve productivity.
Marcos also directed a review of the Agricultural Tariffication Law to ensure better protection for local crops, and approved the establishment of AGRICOM, which will recommend broad reforms for the agriculture sector.