NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1668
of tl)f
23 JAN 12 P5 -47
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN AND 
DEPENDENTS OF FARMERS AND FISHERFOLKS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The agriculture industry, which is regarded as one of the foundations of our 
society, responds to the needs of our public health by ensuring food security for every 
Filipino. However, while playing a vital part in our society, Filipino agricultural workers 
continue to be one of the poorest and most marginalized populations. The Philippine 
Statistics Authority recorded that farmers and fisherfolks have the highest poverty 
incidences among the basic sectors.
This proposed measure, therefore, seeks to grant educational assistance to 
their children and dependents from basic education until their completion of tertiary 
education in public school. The educational assistance includes free educational 
materials, board and lodging, transportation expense, clothing and other similar 
expenses. This is based on the idea that education can be used to combat poverty 
and to advance the economy.
In light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1B68
Senate
of tlje jfercrftnrj»
23 M 12 P5 *47
^9V
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN AND 
DEPENDENTS OF FARMERS AND FISHERFOLKS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the " Educational Assistance
2 
for Children and Dependents of Farmers and Fisherfolks Act"
3 
Sec. 2. Educational Assistance for Children and Dependents of Farmers and
4 
Fisherfolks. - Children and dependents of farmers and fisherfolks listed in the Registry
5 
System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) shall be entitled educational
6 
assistance from basic education until their completion of tertiary education in public
7 
school. The educational assistance includes free educational materials, board and
8 
lodging, transportation expense, clothing and other similar expenses.
9 
Sec. 3. Special Funds for Educational Benefits. - In order to carry out the
10 
provisions of this Act, there is hereby established a Special Fund, to be known as the
11 
"Educational Benefits for Farmers and Fisherfolks Fund", in the amount of Fifty Million
12 
Pesos (P50,000,000.00). Such Fund shall be perpetually maintained and used
13 
exclusively for the benefit of children and dependents of farmers and fisherfolks;
14 
Provided, Thatuot more than 5% of this Fund shall be used for the administration of
15 
the Special Fund.


1 
Sec. 4. Administration of the Fund. - The Unified Student Financial Assistance
2 
System for Tertiary Education Governing (UniFAST) Board in consultation with the
3 
Department of Agriculture and three (3) representatives from the farmers and
4 
fisherfolks selected from a verified procedure of selection as agreed upon by the
5 
farmers and fisherfolks, shall have the primary responsibility of managing and
6 
supervising the Fund. It shall also formulate policies, implement rules and regulations,
7 
guidelines and other related functions to oversee, manage and supervise operations
8 
of the Fund.
9 
The UniFAST Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat providing administrative
10 
support to the Board and shall perform functions as authorized by the UniFAST Board.
11 
Sec. 5. Impiementing Ruies andReguiations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
12 
effectivity of this Act, the UniFAST Board in consultation with the Department of
13 
Agriculture shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations for this Act.
14 
Sec. 6. Separabiiity Ciause. — If any section or provision of this Act shall be
15 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or the provisions not affected
16 
thereby shail remain in full force and effect.
17 
Sec. 7. Repeating Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
18 
regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
19 
amended or modified accordingly.
20 
Sec. 8. Effectivity. —This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
21 
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,