MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has reminded government agencies to prepare their plans for the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act in their food programs as the Senate begins deliberations on the 2026 national budget next week.

In a media interview Pangilinan said part of the reason he ran for senator was the failure to implement the Sagip Saka Act, a law he authored and passed in 2019. The measure allows national government agencies and local government units to buy produce directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.

“Kaya kung may mga nanonood na department heads of agencies ng gobyerno sa national eh maghanda kayo sumagot sa tanong ko,” Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said.

“Anong plano nyo para bumili under this law–direkta na bumili from farmers and fisherfolk at kapag wala kayong plano eh hindi ko ipapa-approve, ide-defer ko budget nyo hanggat may plano kayo,” he added.

Pangilinan said that if properly implemented, the law could lower food prices, stabilize the supply chain, improve food security, and increase the income of farmers and fisherfolk.

He cited state colleges and universities, public hospitals and rural health clinics, correctional facilities, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development as among the government-run agencies that should comply with the law, particularly in providing calamity relief and other social assistance programs.

“It can be done. It should be done and we’re pushing it,” the senator stressed.

Pangilinan added that he wants to see the plans carried out during the harvest season before Christmas this year so farmers and fisherfolk can earn extra income for their families.