MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan renewed his push for the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act during a visit to Naga City, Camarines Sur, citing the need to strengthen agriculture support at the local government level.

Armed with Executive Order No. 101, Pangilinan said the visit aims to reinforce the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, which allows government agencies to directly purchase agricultural products from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.

EO 101, signed last year by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., directs national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other government instrumentalities to source products for feeding programs directly from farmers and fisherfolk.

The measure provides direct market access to farmers and fisherfolk, boosts rural development, and strengthens national food security.

On Thursday, January 22, Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, was in Naga City, where he placed second in the 2025 senatorial elections.

He said he intends to discuss with the local government, particularly former vice president and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act and the challenges faced by agricultural cooperatives in accessing extension services from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“Kaya rin tayo narito para isulong ng husto itong full implementation ng Sagip Saka Act. I also want and I will also be calling on ang DILG kasi andiyan na yung executive order, dala-dala ko nga ngayon,” Pangilinan said during a radio interview in Naga.

Pangilinan also thanked Nagueños for their support during the 2025 midterm elections, saying his meeting with Robredo aims to identify the province’s needs in implementing the law and other agricultural programs.

“Of course, we’re also meeting Mayor Leni Robredo, ang ating partner noong 2022. Again also to discuss ano ang maaaring maitulong ng Committee on Agriculture para sa mga advocacies ni Mayor Leni and other projects niya,” he said.

“We want Mayor Leni to succeed and bilang partner niya and ka-tandem, hindi maaaring hindi natin siya bisitahin at alamin ano pa ang maaari nating maitulong sa Naga sa kanyang pagiging Mayor para maisulong ang mga programa niya,” Pangilinan added.

During his visit, the senator also met with farmers’ cooperatives in Camarines Sur to discuss issues in the law’s implementation, the renationalization of the DA’s extension services, and the strengthening of farmers’ associations and organizations.

Pangilinan said he plans to visit more LGUs as he pushes for the nationwide implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, in line with his commitment to uplift the lives of farmers and fisherfolk, ensure food security, and help bring down food prices.