SEN. Francis Pangilinan on Friday called on government agencies to strictly comply with the mandated payment period under the Sagip Saka Act, saying that farmers and fisherfolk must be paid within 15 working days upon delivery of goods.
Pangilinan, principal author of the law enacted in 2019, emphasized that prompt payment is vital to sustaining the livelihoods of agricultural producers, maintaining steady food production, and ensuring national food security.
The Sagip Saka Act allows national government agencies and local government units to procure food supplies directly from farmers and fisherfolk, eliminating intermediaries and increasing their income opportunities.
During a recent dialogue with agricultural stakeholders in Mindanao, Pangilinan issued a strong warning to agencies failing to meet their obligations.
“Until you pay your debts, I will not approve your budget,” the senator said.
Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, raised concerns after reports from several farmers and fisherfolk groups on millions of pesos in delayed payments.
At least two groups specifically cited unpaid dues from the Department of Education (DepEd), related to food supplies delivered for its school feeding programs since late last year.
The senator underscored that delayed compensation undermines the intent of the Sagip Saka Act, which was designed to empower producers by giving them direct access to institutional buyers, including government entities.
“It is not enough that we should make our farmers and fishermen even more miserable because of the inadequacy and poverty of the government system,” Pangilinan said. “They should not suffer and suffer defeat because we cannot pay on time.”
To address the issue, Pangilinan urged concerned agencies to streamline payment processes, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure the timely release of funds. He also called for a comprehensive review of existing systems to identify bottlenecks and implement immediate corrective measures.
A long-time advocate for rural development and food security, Pangilinan reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that promote fair compensation, enhance institutional support, and protect the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.