President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the need to implement the Sagip Saka Act and create a congressional commission on agriculture (AGRICOM) to ensure food security and affordability in the country.

Marcos made the statement after meeting with select Cabinet officials and lawmakers at Malacañan Palace.

“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, set to launch for more affordable food and fair income for farmers and fisherfolk),” he said in a Facebook post.

The meeting was attended by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, based on the photos shared by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on its official Facebook page.

Also present were Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Apayao Lone District Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, and Quezon 1st District Rep. Mark Enverga.

In a statement, the PCO said Marcos led the discussion on the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act to ensure direct purchase of produce and support for farmers.

The expansion of extension services from the DA and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) was also discussed, the PCO added.

“Layon ng DA na magpadala ng 6,000 staff sa mga rehiyon para tulungan ang mga magsasaka sa makabagong teknolohiya at serbisyo at iba pang extension services (The DA aims to deploy 6,000 staff across regions to assist farmers with modern technology, services, and other extension services),” it said.

During the meeting, Marcos also ordered the review and amendment of the Agricultural Tariffication Law to better protect local produce.

Marcos also approved the creation of AGRICOM, a commission tasked with preparing broader reforms in the agricultural sector. (PNA)