News Details

Marcos Pushes Sagip Saka Act, Agri Commission to Strengthen Food Security

NPO

•

September 25, 2025

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has underscored the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act and the creation of a congressional commission on agriculture (AGRICOM) as key steps to ensuring food security and fair income for farmers and fisherfolk.

In a meeting with Cabinet officials and lawmakers at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, Marcos said the government is moving to align programs that will make food more affordable while protecting the livelihood of agricultural workers.

“Sagip Saka Act at AGRICOM, aarangkada na para sa mas murang pagkain at sapat na kita para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda (Sagip Saka Act and AGRICOM are set to push forward for more affordable food and fair income for farmers and fisherfolk),” the President posted on Facebook.

The discussion was attended by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and lawmakers Eleanor Bulut-Begtang and Mark Enverga.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to expand extension services, including the deployment of 6,000 staff nationwide to help farmers adopt modern technologies.

The President also ordered the review of the Agricultural Tariffication Law and approved the establishment of AGRICOM to spearhead broader agricultural reforms.

On rice production, Marcos instructed the crafting of an executive order setting a palay (unhusked rice) buying floor price to protect farmers from exploitative traders during harvest. Pangilinan earlier suggested engaging local governments in palay procurement through the Sagip Saka Act.

While retail rice prices are declining, Marcos expressed concern that farmers remain vulnerable due to low farmgate prices. He reaffirmed government support for the PHP20 per kilo rice initiative under the “Benteng Bigas” program.

The President further called for a review of the National Food Authority (NFA) charter to restore its original role of stabilizing prices and supporting farmers rather than relying on importation.

Republic Act 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act of 2019, institutionalizes partnerships between local producers and government units, while RA 12078 extends the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031.

NPO News Team I PNA-PR