Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 101, directing all government agencies to fully implement the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act 11321).
Under EO 101, national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned or-controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs) must align their programs, activities and projects with the Act’s goal to strengthen farmers’ and fisherfolk’s productivity, market access, enterprise development, and sustainable livelihoods.
Key provisions include:
- Government entities must give priority to procuring agricultural and fishery products directly from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises (FFCEs), helping reduce middlemen and improve income for small-scale producers.
- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is tasked with establishing “Sagip Saka Desks” in its regional and field offices to serve as hubs for information, registration and coordination of enterprise development and direct procurement.
- The Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Council, created under the Act, will monitor implementation and submit bi-annual reports to the President.
Marcos stated that the move is intended to help farmers and fisherfolk rise from poverty by making them more productive and ensuring they receive fair returns, while also boosting national food production and stability.