Addressing supply chain gaps together with the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, a law that former senator and senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan authored to help pull farmers and fisherfolk from poverty and achieve food security, can halve the prices of food in urban centers.


The former food security czar said this during the launch of volunteer-driven community kitchen Kawa Pilipinas on Sunday, April 6.


He explained that by securing the supply chain—buying directly from local farmers and fisherfolk communities at fair prices—food prices can be reduced up to 70%.


“If that is the supply chain and it’s done right, we can actually reduce food prices by as much as 70, 60% of prevailing prices. Secure our farmers, secure the supply chain, bring them to Manila at deflated cost,” he added.


Pangilinan shared with members of Kawa Pilipinas his “Oplan Sagip Kamatis,” an initiative he implemented in Rizal, Nueva Ecija to save about 12 tons of surplus tomatoes.


Of the 12 tons, five tons have already been saved by the Muntinlupa City government under the Sagip Saka Act. The cities of Valenzuela and Parañaque plan to follow suit with their own direct purchases.


“All of us will benefit from 60% less cost of food,” he stressed.


The former senator lamented that “it’s a really difficult time for our people” as he noted the highest rating of self-rated poverty in the country since 2003.


“The highest level of hopelessness since 2009 and a lot has to do with food prices being very expensive. Gutom ang kapalit,” he said.


Pangilinan also bemoaned the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk. “They remain invisible. They remain forgotten. They remain voiceless. And what kind of society will say this is okay?”


And while it is critical to achieve food justice for consumers, the former senator also underscored the need to take care of farmers and fisherfolk.


“Unless we secure them, we cannot secure our food and prices will remain high and food will remain inaccessible,” he said.