Humanizing the Sagip Saka Act: Putting Socio-political Concerns at the Center of Future Bamboo Farming Cooperative Development in Maragondon

Abstract

The Sagip Saka Act aims to uplift the welfare of agricultural groups through various agricultural interventions along with incentivizing smallholder farmers to organize farming groups. However, its implementation often overlooks the socio-political intricacies that shape the agricultural landscape. Using interviews and focus group discussions with farmers, government officials, and community leaders to determine its relevance, this study delves into the case of bamboo cooperative development in Maragondon, Cavite, to explore the multifaceted socio-political concerns intertwined with the Sagip Saka Act's implementation using Ferguson’s and Lohmann’s Anti-Politics Machine. Moreover, the study also scrutinizes if organized farming groups are significant in local bamboo shoot production using Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) principles. Findings reveal a complex interplay of factors such as weak institutional coordination, conflicting initiatives, ignorance of socio-political agrarian realities, power dynamics, and institutional barriers, shaping the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act in Maragondon. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of grassroots participation, inclusive governance structures, and contextualized policy frameworks in fostering sustainable agricultural development. By placing their voices at the forefront, the study aims to humanize the discourse surrounding the Sagip Saka Act, acknowledging diverse socio-political dynamics that influence its effectiveness. Ultimately, this research calls for a paradigm shift in agricultural policy-making, urging policymakers to prioritize socio-political considerations and grassroots empowerment in the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act. By doing so, the local government can envision a future where bamboo cooperative development in Maragondon, Cavite, and similar contexts becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability.