The Department of Agriculture (DA) said two new executive orders (EOs) signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. are meant to help farmers and fisherfolk earn more and have steadier incomes.
The Chief Executive is more popularly known as PBBM.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the orders aim to give food producers fairer prices, assured markets, and stronger support from government agencies.
EO 100 sets up a regional floor price for palay to ensure rice farmers get a fair return for their crops. The DA, with a new steering committee, will regularly review and adjust prices based on production costs, market trends, and profit margins. Local governments may also use public facilities for temporary rice storage to prevent spoilage.
EO 101 orders full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, which allows government offices, state universities, and local governments to buy food directly from accredited farmers’ and fishers’ cooperatives without going through public bidding.
The directive also calls for the creation of Sagip Saka Desks in DA regional offices to help producers register, develop enterprises, and connect with buyers.
Tiu Laurel said the twin orders reflect the Marcos administration’s “whole-of-government approach” to boosting rural incomes and improving food security. Both measures take effect immediately upon publication.
