By Lane Afable, News Editor
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan will lead the launching of “Sagip Saka Day 2026” on Saturday, May 9, in Quezon City to strengthen his advocacies in uplifting the lives of farmers and fisherfolk, promoting rural development and sustainable farming practices, and ensuring national food security.
Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform and has authored and secured passage of the landmark Sagip Saka Act in 2019, will mark the 7th anniversary of the law’s passage by launching this initiative to celebrate the contributions of farmers and fisherfolk to nation-building.
During the event, organized in partnership with the Quezon City local government, Department of Agriculture (DA), and the World Food Programme (WFP), the senator will underscore the importance of bringing down food prices by supporting local food producers and ensuring their access to an expanded market composed of government agencies and instrumentalities.
“Matagal nang nababalewala at napagiiwanan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Sila na nagpapakain sa atin ang siya pang patuloy na naghihirap. Panahon na hindi lang para kilalanin natin sila, kung hindi para magtulungan tayo i-angat sila mula sa sadlak na kahirapan,” he said.
Passed in 2019, the Sagip Saka Act allows national government agencies and local government units to buy their food needs directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.
The law expands market access for farmers and fishers by linking them to the government’s feeding programs. The government, Pangilinan pointed out, is the biggest buyer of food items in the country.
“Sagip Saka Day” will feature a diverse array of activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and a marketplace showcasing fresh produce and local farmers’ products.
One of the expected highlights of the event is the launching of the Gawad Sagip Saka to encourage farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives, government agencies, and local governments to implement the law.
The event will likewise shine the spotlight on the success stories of farmers and fisherfolk, who have turned their lives around as they start to earn more from the negotiated contracts they entered into with the government.
There will also be panel discussions on farm-to-school feeding, free meals programs, private sector participation, agricultural financing, agribusinesses and entrepreneurship, and government procurement reform.
The event will start at 10:00 AM at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center on Saturday, May 9.
