PBBM approves EOs to support Filipino farmers

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved two executive orders (EOs) aimed at supporting Filipino farmers.

EO 100 establishes a floor price for palay to ensure farmers receive a profitable price for their harvest, with the Department of Agriculture expecting it to result in price stability.

EO 101 mandates the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, requiring government agencies and local government units to directly purchase agricultural products from local farmers and fisherfolk, creating guaranteed markets.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. stated these EOs should bridge the gap in product pricing and marketing that has kept food producers from fully enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

However, the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives believes these EOs are insufficient and that a law is needed to truly enforce the palay floor price and include punitive actions against non-compliant traders.

The bloc also stated that EO 100 does not set the actual floor price and that a law is needed to control profiteering by middlemen and repeal the Rice Tariffication Law.