Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs) to encourage farmers to harvest their crops early and directly purchase these at fair prices amid the impact of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.

In a recent interview, Pangilinan, author of the Sagip Saka Act, recalled how during a previous typhoon, farmers were forced to harvest their crops early to avoid losing them entirely.

However, the challenge then was where to sell their produce. To address this, Pangilinan coordinated with the Quezon City Government during the typhoon which operated 12 to 14 hot meals kitchens serving evacuees in various centers.

"What happened then was that early harvest vegetables were purchased: squash, beans, okra, tomatoes -- and those were distributed to the evacuation centers as relief operations," he said, emphasizing that both farmers and LGUs benefited from this initiative.

The senator explained that farmers were able to sell their early-harvested crops at just prices instead of suffering losses from typhoon damage, while LGUs gained access to fresh, locally sourced vegetables for their relief efforts—ensuring healthier, freshly cooked meals for evacuees.

"The farmers won because their harvests were bought at the right price. The local government also won because the food was fresh: hot meals -- for those who were in evacuation centers," he added.

With the recently signed twin Executive Orders—the Floor Price on Palay and the Sagip Saka Act Implementation—Pangilinan said these measures will help ensure that farmers are protected from losses and continue to earn fair income when properly implemented.

He also urged national government agencies and local government units to continue supporting local farmers, especially during these challenging times, reminding everyone that crises can also open opportunities for meaningful action.

"Our call to the LGUs now is to coordinate with farmers to maybe start early harvest so the LGUs can buy them and can be used immediately for evacuation centers in case there are evacuees," he said.

"This would reduce damage for farmers at would bring fresh vegetables, fruits, and food for those staying in evacuation centers."