President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday issued Executive Order No. 101, directing all national and local government agencies to fully implement the Sagip Saka Act, which establishes the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program to provide all forms of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk to reach their full potential, increase their income, and improve their quality of life.

The EO, signed on October 25, mandates all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges and local government units to align their programs, activities, and projects with the objectives of the Sagip Saka Act.

These include capacity building, market access, enterprise support, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for small agricultural producers.

Marcos noted that poverty incidence remains high among farmers and fisherfolk, as per the Poverty Incidence Survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“We have to help our farmers and fisherfolk rise from poverty by empowering them to be more productive and increase their incomes,” the President said.

Under EO 101, all government entities are required to purchase agricultural and fishery products directly from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises?a provision meant to ensure fair market opportunities for small-scale producers while reducing bureaucratic barriers.

To further implementation, the EO directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to establish Sagip Saka Desks in its regional and field offices, which will serve as hubs for information, registration, and coordination related to enterprise development and direct procurement.

The order also calls for greater convergence and collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions to advance inclusive agricultural growth and ensure that farmers and fisherfolk gain consistent access to markets and government support.

In line with this, the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Council?created under the Sagip Saka Act?will oversee the order’s implementation, monitor progress, and submit biannual reports to the President.

The Sagip Saka Act, signed into law in 2019, aims to empower local farmers and fisherfolk by integrating them into value chains, enhancing productivity, and promoting local procurement.

The newly issued EO seeks to accelerate these goals as part of the Marcos administration’s broader agenda to strengthen food security and reduce rural poverty. Presidential News Desk