President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday issued Executive Order (EO) 101 directing the full implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act, which establishes a program for farmers and fisherfolk aimed at improving their production and productivity.

Under EO 101, all national government agencies (NGAs), including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), are directed to align their programs, activities, and projects with the objectives of Sagip Saka (save farming).

Local government units (LGUs) are also enjoined to support the implementation of Sagip Saka Act to help local farmers and fisherfolk reach their full potential and achieve better income.

EO 101 mandates the adoption of measures supporting farmers and fisherfolk, including capacity building, market access, enterprise support, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for small agricultural producers.

It also orders all government agencies to directly purchase agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises (FFCEs).

“Said procurement shall be exempted from the application of the bidding process, subject to negotiated procurement prescribed under RA No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act and other existing laws, rules and regulations,” the order read.

“Further, all NGAs and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and SUCs, are hereby directed, and LGUs are hereby encouraged, to ensure that rice and other agricultural and fishery products served in government events, food service areas or canteens are directly purchase from FFCEs to promote the consumption of locally produced food and support small producers,” it added.

EO 101 calls for greater convergence and collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, private sector, civil society organizations, academic institutions and development partners to advance inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth and ensure that farmers and fisherfolk gain consistent access to markets and government support.

The Department of Agriculture is directed to establish Sagip Saka desks in its regional and field offices to serve as hubs for information, assistance and coordination.

Under EO 101, the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Council, created under the Sagip Saka Act, will oversee the order’s implementation, monitor progress, and submit biannual reports to the President.

The Sagip Saka Act, signed into law in 2019, aims to empower local farmers and fisherfolk by integrating them into value chains, enhancing productivity and promoting local procurement.

EO 101 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)