MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Friday said the Philippines is now a step closer to fully implementing the 2019 Sagip Saka Act, following the release of new procurement guidelines that will allow government institutions to directly purchase produce from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said he has received a copy of Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Circular No. 02-2025, or the Guidelines for the Procurement of Agricultural and Fishery Products under Republic Act No. 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act.

“This has been a long time coming. We passed the law in 2019 and it has yet to be fully implemented, which deprived our farmers and fisherfolk of the necessary support that should have been theirs since six years ago,” Pangilinan said.

The new guidelines clarify and streamline the process for government agencies to directly procure food and agricultural products from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk organizations, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.

“These guidelines are a major step toward empowering our farmers and fisherfolk,” Pangilinan said. “By simplifying procurement processes and reducing barriers, we help ensure that every peso of government spending supports local food producers and strengthens our food security.”

The circular, which will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, establishes the rules and procedures for purchasing agricultural products under the Sagip Saka Act. It also operationalizes the Inclusive Procurement Program under Section 75 of Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), which aims to integrate marginalized groups and socially responsible enterprises into government procurement.

Pangilinan said the updated guidelines come at a critical time for the agriculture sector, which continues to struggle with the impacts of climate change, high production costs, and market disruptions.

“This is what the Sagip Saka Act is all about—a fairer, more inclusive system where our farmers and fisherfolk are partners, not just suppliers,” he said. “We thank the GPPB for recognizing the spirit of the law and for working with stakeholders to make its implementation truly meaningful.”

He added that the guidelines will help strengthen farm-to-institution linkages, stabilize rural incomes, and support the government’s food self-sufficiency goals.