In an endeavor to immediately execute the provisions of the “Sagip Saka Law” or Republic Act (RA) No. 11321, the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), in coordination with its regional counterparts from Luzon B Cluster, organized a stakeholders’ consultation for the improvement and finalization of the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) at Tagaytay International Convention Center in Cavite on October 4, 2019.
It was attended by some 170 national and regional government agencies, local government units, private sector, farmers, and fisherfolk from the cluster.
The “Sagip Saka Act” signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on April 17 has the aim of “helping the agricultural and fishing communities reach their full potential, increasing farmers’ and fishermen’s incomes, and bridging gaps through public-private partnerships, thereby improving their quality of life,” RA 11321 read.
This law provides systems for “Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program” which promotes the establishment of enterprises involving agricultural and fishery products, with collaborations between farmers and fisherfolk, and the private sector to develop market access.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, the act’s principal author and sponsor in the Senate, graced the activity and urged different government entities of their support and involvement to be able to carry out the program.
As an additional benefit to the farmers and fisherfolk, the law orders all government offices to directly purchase agricultural and fisheries products (for their activities/gatherings) from accredited farmers’ cooperatives and associations with exemption from the Procurement Law.
Under the new law, farmers and fisherfolk can avail of assistance in agricultural extension services; skills development; provision of production inputs, equipment, and facilities; infrastructure for production and post-production activities; and credit grants.
Meanwhile, the DA as the implementing agency of the “Sagip Saka Act” shall draw on the assistance, expertise, and the resources of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Agricultural Research, Philippine Coconut Authority, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Agricultural Training Institute, and Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
CALABARZON Region delegates were led by DA Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa. ● ARC, DA-RAFIS
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