MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs) to encourage farmers to harvest their crops early and sell them directly at fair prices, in line with the Sagip Saka Act, for use in relief operations at evacuation centers.

In a recent interview, Pangilinan, author of the Sagip Saka Act, recalled a previous typhoon when farmers were forced to harvest crops early to avoid losses, but faced challenges in selling their produce. To address this, he coordinated with the Quezon City Government, which operated 12 to 14 hot meal kitchens serving evacuees.

“Ang nangyari noon, binili ‘yung gulay na early harvest: kalabasa, sitaw, okra, kamatis — at ‘yun ang ipinamahagi doon sa mga evacuation centers bilang relief operations,” Pangilinan said.

He highlighted that both farmers and LGUs benefited from the initiative. Farmers earned fair prices for early-harvested crops instead of suffering losses, while LGUs gained access to fresh, locally sourced vegetables for relief meals.

“Panalo ‘yung farmers dahil binili sa tamang presyo, nag-early harvest siya. Panalo ‘yung local government na bumili dahil sariwa ang naging pagkain: hot meals — para sa mga nasa evacuation centers,” he added.

With the recently signed twin Executive Orders on the Floor Price on Palay and the Sagip Saka Act implementation, Pangilinan said these measures will help protect farmers from losses and ensure fair income when properly implemented.

He also urged national government agencies and LGUs to continue supporting local farmers during challenging times.

“Ang panawagan natin sa mga LGU ngayon ay makipag-usap, baka pwedeng mag-umpisa ng early harvest ang mga farmer ng kanilang mga produkto at bilhin na ng mga LGU dahil magagamit din naman kaagad para sa mga evacuation centers kung sakaling merong mga evacuees. So, early harvest and Sagip Saka — direct purchase ng ating mga LGU,” he said.

“Bawas pinsala para sa magsasaka at sariwang gulay, prutas, at pagkain naman sa mga nasa evacuation centers,” Pangilinan added.