Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 435

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT PROVIDING AGRICULTURAL PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY
BENEFITS TO FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The agricultural sector, encompassing farmers and fisherfolk, is the backbone of the
Philippine economy. Despite their critical role in ensuring food security and
sustaining rural livelihoods, many of these individuals remain among the poorest and
most vulnerable members of society. Their work is characterized by seasonal
employment, exposure to climate risks, and inadequate access to financial resources,

which collectively contribute to their economic insecurity, especially in old age

‘As such, this bill aims to meet the unique needs of the country’s agricultural workers.
It aims to ensure financial security in old age by providing a regular and reliable
pension upon retirement, acknowledging their lifelong contributions to the nation's
food supply and economic stability. By providing security in retirement, the program
may also encourage more young people to enter and remain in the agricultural sector,

knowing they will have a safety net later.

‘The passage of this bill is a significant step toward recognizing the indispensable role
of farmers and fisherfolk in our society and ensuring that they receive the care and
support they deserve in their later years. This legislation honors their contributions
and strengthens the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to the nation's long-

term food security and economic resilience.


In light of these considerations, the immediate enactment of this bill is earnestly
sought.

RODOLFO “OMPO! M. ORDANES:


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 435

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” ORDANES

AN ACT PROVIDING AGRICULTURAL PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY
BENEFITS TO FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

1 SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Agriculture Pension Act.”
2 SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to:
3 (a) Establish, develop, and promote sound and viable social security schemes
4 suitable to the needs of the people;

5 (b) Strengthen the agriculture sector through sustainable efforts to end hunger,
6 achieve food security, and improve the general health and nutrition of
7 Filipinos;

8 (©) Protect and promote the welfare of farmers and fisherfolks through policies
9 that would abate their socio-economic risks and vulnerabilities with the end
10 in view of improving their quality of life, and;

H (d) Provide and institutionalize a comprehensive pension and social security
12 program for the benefit of agricultural workers.

13 SEC. 3. Creation of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Social Security and Pension
14 Program. - The “Farmer and Fisherfolk Social Security and Pension Program,” herein
15 referred to as the “Program,” shall provide farmers and fisherfolks with a modest,
16 dependable source of income security upon their retirement.

7 The Program shall consist of a comprehensive set of objectives, targets, and a
18 holistic approach to providing sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and


funeral benefits to farmers and fisherfolks. The said pension scheme shall be made
consistent with the package benefits under the existing Social Security program of the
Social Security System (SSS) and relevant programs of the Department of Agriculture
(DA) and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

SEC. 4. Implementing Agencies. - The PCIC, an attached agency of the DA, and
the SSS shall be the primary implementing agencies of the provisions of this Act. To
fulfill the goals of this Act, they shall perform the following duties and functions:

(a) The PCIC shall manage the registration system of eligible agricultural
workers under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA)
and provide the necessary operational reports.

(b) The SSS and PCIC shall tap the expertise of other relevant government
offices to formulate the objectives, targets, and approaches under the
Program.

(©) The SSS shall manage the funds allocated and the social security and
pension scheme of the Program and maintain the required actuarial and
financial reports.

(d) The PCIC and the SSS shall perform other duties and functions necessary in
the efficient and effective implementation of this Act.

The PCIC and the SSS shall collaborate with and secure the technical assistance
of the DA in all stages of implementation of this Act. The DA shall ensure the
objectives of the Program are met and shall evaluate and monitor the Program's
contribution to the productivity of the agricultural sector and the improvement of the
quality of life of farmers and fisherfolks.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the initial
implementation of this Act shall be drawn from the savings of the national
government. Thereafter, the funds necessary for the continuous implementation of the
Program shall be sourced from ten percent (10%) of the total annual duties collected
from the importation of agricultural products. The supplemental amount necessary
for its implementation shall be included in the annual appropriations of the DA.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from
the date of effectivity of this Act, the PCIC shall, in consultation with the DA, SSS, the
Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and other relevant


stakeholders, formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof, which are not affected
thereby, shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations, other issuances, and parts thereof that are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in three (3) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,