MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called on the government to take a stronger role in supporting farmers and fisherfolk by directly purchasing rice and other food products through the Sagip Saka Act, a law he authored and champions.

In a meeting with Department of Agriculture officials on Monday, August 11, Pangilinan emphasized that government direct purchases could expand market access for agricultural workers and stabilize prices.

“Pag ini-strengthen mo yung direct purchases ng gobyerno, doon talaga walang debate yon, meron dapat floor price kasi hindi naman dapat kumita ang gobyerno sa purchases nya ng food. Bakit? It’s a service,” he said.

He added, “Kapag gobyerno ang bumibili ng palay, ganito ang presyo di ba? Doon pa lang big brother ka na. Yung trader mapwe-pwersa nang mag adjust.”

Pangilinan noted that government agencies beyond the National Food Authority (NFA)—such as state colleges, universities, and public hospitals—can also buy pork, chicken, and other food items directly from farmers and fisherfolk.

He cited Muntinlupa and Valenzuela cities as examples, which have already implemented the Sagip Saka Act by purchasing millions worth of produce for social amelioration programs.

“My suggestion: ili-link yung NFA doon sa mga agencies ng gobyerno na bumibili talaga yung sa Sagip Saka Act kasi pagka-sabay-sabay bumili at the floor price ang NFA at ang mga LGU eh malaking bagay yan because nga ang mangyayari pati ang trader na bumibili, mapwe-pwersa na itaas yung presyo niya,” he said.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, Pangilinan plans to amend the Rice Tariffication Law to restore the NFA’s authority in managing rice importation and boosting local production.

He stressed that the Sagip Saka Act, passed in 2019 but yet to be fully utilized, can empower farmers by providing better market access and scaling up local food production. The law allows the government to buy directly from producers without public bidding.