MAGALANG -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has commended President Rodrigo Duterte's approval of the Sagip Saka Act or Republic Act 11321, a measure that will help improve the quality of life of 10 million farmers and fisherfolk in the country.
The new law is expected to institutionalize an enterprise program for the agricultural sector.
In press statement sent to SunStar Pampanga, the CHR stated that this measure is a step forward in ensuring that the farmers' rights are fulfilled and their dignity is upheld.
The Sagip Saka Act is expected to address the systemic problem in agricultural and fisheries industry, which perpetuates intergenerational poverty.
The law enjoins the government to source products like livestock, seafood, fruits, grains, and vegetables directly from farmers and fisherfolk for health and nutrition programs and other relevant government initiatives.
This will remove the middlemen who usually earn from the hardships of farmers.
"We look forward to the empowerment of this sector given the access to skills development, business support, and technology financial support that this law will enable," the CHR stated.
More donations for the agricultural sector shall also be expected with the tax exemptions for farm donors provided by the Sagip Saka Act.
"The title of the law itself manifests the intention to rescue the agricultural sector given its current state. Our farmers and fisherfolk have long been in the peripheries due to feudalism in the past and new oppressive systems in the present," the CHR added.
Many farmers have been killed or punished for asserting their rights, the commission added. "It is hoped that Sagip Saka Act will be implemented with utmost rigor to ensure the rights of this sector and to insulate them from oppression due to poverty."
As an agricultural country, prioritizing the empowerment and dignity of the farmers and fisherfolk shall redound to the benefit of the entire nation, the CHR added.