The government has taken a significant step toward achieving food security and ensuring stable food prices with the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 101 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The order mandates the full and expedited implementation of the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act No. 11321), a landmark law designed to uplift the lives of farmers and fisherfolk through enterprise development and direct government procurement of their produce.
Signed on October 25, EO 101 addresses the persistently high poverty incidence among agricultural producers, as noted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The order directs all national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs) to align their programs with the Sagip Saka Act’s objectives.
These objectives include providing comprehensive assistance, such as capacity building, market access, enterprise support, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for small agricultural producers.
A cornerstone of EO 101 is the directive for all government entities to purchase agricultural and fishery products directly from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises (FFCEs). This provision is specifically designed to:
Ensure fair market opportunities for small-scale producers.
Reduce bureaucratic barriers that often prevent small producers from accessing government supply contracts.
Provide a stable market for their harvest, reducing post-harvest losses and price volatility.
Strengthening Implementation and Coordination
To ensure effective execution, EO 101 instructs the Department of Agriculture (DA) to establish Sagip Saka Desks in its regional and field offices. These desks will serve as vital hubs for information, registration, and coordination, connecting farmers and fisherfolk to enterprise development opportunities and direct procurement channels.
Furthermore, the order emphasizes the need for greater convergence and collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach aims to advance inclusive agricultural growth and ensure consistent access to markets and government support for the sector.
The Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development (FFED) Council, established under the Sagip Saka Act, will be responsible for overseeing the order’s implementation, monitoring progress, and submitting biannual reports directly to the President.
This Executive Order underscores the Marcos administration’s broader commitment to strengthening food security and significantly reducing rural poverty. By accelerating the goals of the Sagip Saka Act, the government aims to empower local producers by effectively integrating them into the value chains, enhancing their productivity, and ultimately improving their quality of life.
