The Philippine House of Representatives is taking significant steps to enhance farmers' incomes, emphasizing the connection between agricultural productivity and market access. Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III made these remarks during a gathering of farmers and irrigators for the Sagip Saka Program in San Miguel, Bulacan.
Advocating for Farmer Empowerment
Food security begins with farmer security.
Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Speaker of the House
- Focus on strengthening farmers’ and irrigators’ associations
- Emphasis on fair and reliable market access for agricultural produce
Dy highlighted that increasing agricultural productivity means little if farmers lack access to fair markets. He noted, 'A farmer may have good land, sufficient water and a good harvest, but if that farmer cannot find a fair and reliable market, hindi pa rin sapat ang kanyang kikitain.'
The Sagip Saka Program aims to connect farmers with government and institutional buyers, facilitating their participation in the agricultural value chain. As of July 2026, the Department of Agriculture reported 13,656 registered enterprises under the program, with procurement awards totaling P2.92 billion.
The proposed P198.4-billion budget for the Department of Agriculture for 2027 includes allocations for production, mechanization, post-harvest facilities, and livestock programs. Dy assured lawmakers that this budget would be directed towards tangible benefits for farmers.
Additionally, Dy pointed out the importance of irrigators’ associations, mentioning that only 2.2 million hectares of the estimated 3.13 million hectares of irrigable land are currently serviced by irrigation systems. Stronger organizations could empower farmers with better bargaining power and access to government assistance.
Dy concluded by expressing the goal of minimizing the distance between farms and markets, which he believes is vital for improving farmers' incomes and ensuring food security in the Philippines.