Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. AND 
HON. BRIAN RAYMUND S. YAMSUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the decade starting from 2008, the agricultural sector has employed an average of 
11.4 million Filipinos, accounting for a little less than one-third of total employment. 
However, agricultural workers especially farmers and fisherfolk, are among the 
poorest groups in our society and are not covered by the pension programs of the 
government.  
This bill proposes the establishment of an Agricultural Pension Fund that will provide 
them with pension benefits when they reach the age of retirement. It recognizes that 
universal access to comprehensive and adequate social protection systems is an 
important tool to prevent and reduce poverty and inequality. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
BRIAN RAYMUND S. YAMSUAN 
May 9, 2023
8:00 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. AND 
HON. BRIAN RAYMUND S. YAMSUAN 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING AN AGRICULTURAL PENSION FUND TO PROVIDE PENSION 
BENEFITS TO FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Agricultural Pension Fund 
Act."  
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared a policy of the State to, from 
time to time, review to upgrade the pensions and other benefits due to retirees of both 
the government and private sectors. It acknowledges that farmers and fisherfolk are 
integral part to the country's development, and therefore shall accord due recognition 
to their great contribution by providing them with pension benefits to assist them with 
their basic needs when they reach the age of retirement. 
Section 3. Creation of the Agricultural Pension Fund. – The Agricultural Pension 
Fund (APF) is hereby established to provide pension benefits to agricultural workers, 
especially farmers and fisherfolk. 
Section 4. Implementing Agency. – The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation 
(PCIC), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), shall be the 
implementing agency of the provisions of this Act. In addition to its existing duties and 
responsibilities, it shall: 
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(a)   Create a pension plan for agricultural pensioners; 
(b)   Manage and invest the APF to ensure its sustainability; 
(c)   Determine the criteria for eligibility, in coordination with relevant government 
agencies; 
(d)   Perform other duties and functions towards the efficient and effective 
implementation of this Act. 
 
Section 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within ninety (90) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the PCIC Board of Directors, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Agriculture and representatives of recognized farmers and fisherfolks 
group, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
 
Section 6. Appropriations. – Such amount necessary to implement the provisions of 
this Act shall be included in the annual appropriations of the DA. 
 
Section 7. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
 
Section 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
 
Section 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,