Senator Kiko Pangilinan on Sunday praised President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for signing two new executive orders (EOs) aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector, calling the move a “big win” for Filipino farmers who have long struggled with low incomes and market instability.
“Napakalaking panalo nito para sa ating mga magsasaka at sa sektor ng agrikultura. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Presidente at sa lahat ng ating naging katuwang sa pagsusulong ng dalawang executive orders na ito,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
Under Executive Order No. 100, the government will establish a national floor price for palay (unhusked rice) to protect farmers from unfair buying prices, while EO No. 101 directs the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act No. 11321) — a landmark law authored by Pangilinan to boost farmers’ and fisherfolk’s incomes by promoting direct farm-to-market linkages.
The two measures, along with the temporary rice import ban, are intended to stabilize local prices, strengthen food security, and ensure that farmers earn a decent livelihood.
As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Pangilinan has been a consistent advocate for fair market reform, especially as farmgate prices of palay recently dropped to as low as ₱14–₱16 per kilo in several provinces.
“These EOs demonstrate that when the government listens to farmers and takes decisive action, we can ensure that those who feed the nation are able to live with dignity,” he said. “When we advocated for the Sagip Saka Act, this is the kind of support we envisioned for our farmers and fisherfolk. It is high time they reap the rewards of their hard work.”
Pangilinan also extended his gratitude to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, and various local government leaders for backing the initiative.
With the EOs now in force, Pangilinan urged the administration to sustain the momentum and pursue deeper reforms within the agriculture sector.
“With the palay floor price in place, farmers are no longer at the mercy of middlemen. Together, these measures will help uplift the lives of millions of rural families,” he noted.
“But let us make sure that this momentum continues. Let us not stop at these EOs — let us strengthen our entire agri value chain by fighting against rampant corruption and abuse in the sector and putting accountability, transparency, and good governance at the core of our service to the people,” Pangilinan added.
According to the senator, the twin directives mark a turning point for Philippine agriculture, proving that with genuine political will and farmer-centered governance, the country can begin to rebuild a fair and sustainable food system.