The Commission commends the President’s approval of the Sagip Saka Act or Republic Act 11321, a measure that will help improve the quality of life of 10 million farmers and fisherfolks by institutionalizing an enterprise program for them. The agricultural sector provides food security for the country but they are often mired in poverty and hunger. Hence, this measure is a step forward in ensuring that their rights are fulfilled and their dignity is upheld.

The Sagip Saka Act is expected to address the systemic problem in agricultural and fisheries industry, which perpetuate intergenerational poverty. The law enjoins the government to source products like livestocks, seafoods, fruits, grains, and vegetables directly from farmers and fisherfolks for health and nutrition programs and other relevant government initiatives. This will remove the middlemen who usually earns from the hardships of poor farmers.

We look forward to the empowerment of the this sector given the access to skills development, business support, and technology financial support that this law will enable. More donations for the agricultural sector shall also be expected with the tax exemptions for farm donors provided by the Sagip Saka Act.

The title of the law itself manifest the intention to rescue the agricultural sector given its current state. Our farmers and fisherfolks have long been in the peripheries due to feudalism in the past and new oppressive systems in the present. Throughout history, many farmers have been killed or punished simply for asserting their rights. It is hoped that Sagip Saka Act will be implemented with utmost rigor to ensure the rights of this sector and to insulate them from oppression due to poverty. As an agricultural country, prioritizing the empowerment and dignity of the farmers and fisherfolks shall redound to the benefit of the entire nation.