Agriculture is an important sector in the Philippines, and it is one of the primary contributors to 
our economy. According to the data of Philippine Statistics Authority, the agricultural sector 
comprises of 24% of the Filipino workforce since 2022.1 The country is one of the leading 
producers of rice in the world accounting for 2.8% of global rice production, which is the 8th 
largest rice producer globally.2 The Philippines is also the 7th largest market for United States 
agricultural exports and the top market in Southeast Asia in 2021.3   
Suffice it to say, the agricultural sector in the Philippines is a thriving sector that plays an 
important role in influencing the economy of the country, yet the workforce behind this colossal 
mechanism is more often taken for granted. Sadly, farmers and fisherfolks residing in rural areas 
remained the poorest sector in terms of poverty incidence since 2021. 4  According to the 
preliminary estimates of the PSA in 2021, the poverty incidence rate of fisherfolks in the country 
is 30.6% while the farmers are at a poverty incidence rate of 30%.5 The grim reality is that 
notwithstanding our global contribution in the agricultural exports, our own farmers and 
fisherfolks remain to be the poorest sector of our country and they are begging for our 
government to aid and support them.  
In a study conducted by Florencia Palis of the University of the Philippines Los Banos in 2020 
entitled “Aging Filipino Rice Farmers and their aspirations for their children”, it is mentioned 
therein that 65% of farmers believe their children will not have a better future if they will 
become farmers, and instead wanted their children to obtain college education and work on any 
occupation not related to farming.6 It is haunting to imagine a future of the country wherein one 
of its thriving and major contributors will be wasted due to lack of manpower in that particular 
1 ”Employment situation as of December 2022” Philippine Statistics Authority 
2 2009 Crop Production Statistics 
3 https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/philippines-agricultural-sectors 
4 https://psa.gov.ph/poverty-press-releases/nid/176572 
5 PSA’s 2021 Poverty Statistics 
66 “Aging Filipino Rice Farmers and their aspiration for their Children” Florencia Palis (2020) 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.__________ 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Hon. Julienne L. Baronda  
_____________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
August 1, 2023
5:53 pm
8699


sector. In this growing trend of discouraging younger generation of Filipinos to engage in the 
agricultural sector and instead work in a non-farming occupation, it is only a matter of time 
before the agricultural sector of the country will be obsolete if not inutile.  
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 Rep. Julienne “Jam” L. Baronda 
District Representative 


AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR 
CHILDREN OF FARMERS IN THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Aanihin Bill” 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to provide assistance and support to 
children of farmers to pursue higher education. This program aims to enhance the agricultural 
sector by encouraging the next generation to pursue educational opportunities and contribute 
their knowledge and skills to the development of sustainable and modern agricultural practices in 
the Philippines. 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the following term is defined as follows: 
a. Farmers shall refer to those who are primarily engaged in growing crops, raising
animals, and harvesting fish and other animals from a farm, ranch, or their natural
habitats.
b. Department shall refer to the Department of Agriculture.
c.
Beneficiaries shall refer primarily to the children of the farmer who are still
dependent of the latter for their basic needs up to the age of 25.
d. ASPCF shall refer to as ‘Agricultural Scholarship Program for Children of Farmers’.
e.
Institution shall refer to educational institutions offering tertiary courses particularly
agricultural science, technology, or related fields whether public or private.
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.__________ 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Hon. Julienne L. Baronda  
_____________________________________________________________________ 
8699


Sec. 4. Purposes and Objectives. – The purposes and objectives of this Act are the following: 
(a) 
To provide support to Farmers in rearing and taking care of their beneficiaries 
primarily in availing higher education; 
(b) 
To encourage and motivate Farmers in the country by providing their 
beneficiaries security in terms of education; 
(c) 
To motivate the beneficiaries in pursuing higher education and to contribute to 
the advancement of agricultural practices in the Philippines; and, 
(d) 
To promote the agricultural sector of the country by taking care of the Farmers 
and their beneficiaries. 
 
Sec. 5. Scholarship Program. The Department, in collaboration with recognized tertiary 
educational institutions, shall establish the Agricultural Scholarship Program for Children of 
Farmers (herein referred to as ASPCF). The ASPCF shall provide financial support and 
resources to eligible students to enable them to enroll in accredited educational institutions and 
pursue degrees in agricultural sciences, technology, or related fields. 
 
Sec. 6. Eligibility. The ASPCF shall be open to Filipino citizens who are children or dependents 
of farmers engaged in agricultural activities. Priority shall be given to applicants from families 
residing in rural and agriculture-dependent regions. Eligible students must have completed high 
school with a good academic record and fulfill other criteria established by the implementing 
agency. 
 
Section 7. Scholarship Benefits. Scholars accepted into the ASPCF shall be entitled to full or 
partial scholarships, covering tuition fees, educational materials, accommodation, and a monthly 
stipend to support their living expenses. The ASPCF shall cater to eligible students studying in 
both public and private educational institutions. The selection process shall be transparent and 
accountable, ensuring equitable distribution of scholarships. 
 
Section 8. Partnerships with Educational Institutions. The Department shall establish 
partnerships with recognized educational institutions across the Philippines offering agricultural 
programs. These institutions shall play a crucial role in the implementation of the program, 


including the assessment of applicants, selection of scholars, and monitoring of academic 
progress. Cooperation between institutions and the Department shall be governed by a mutually 
agreed-upon memorandum of understanding. 
 
Section 9. Mentorship and Internship Opportunities. To enhance practical knowledge and 
promote the application of agricultural techniques, the ASCPF shall facilitate mentorship 
programs and internships in coordination with relevant agricultural agencies, non-governmental 
organizations, and industry stakeholders. These opportunities shall expose scholars to current 
agricultural practices and foster their growth as future leaders in the field. 
 
Section 10. Funding and Implementation. Adequate funding for the ASCPF shall be made 
available through appropriations by the government from the National Budget, corporate 
contributions, and individual or organizational donations aimed at supporting educational 
opportunities for farmer's children. The Department and partner institutions shall be jointly 
responsible for the efficient implementation, oversight, and periodic evaluation of the program. 
 
Section 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department, in consultation with relevant 
stakeholders and educational institutions, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to 
effectively implement this Act within six (6) months from the date of its effectivity. 
 
Section 12. Periodic Review. As the need arises or within five (5) years after its effectivity, the 
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall conduct a review of this Act for purposes of 
determining whether remedial legislation is in order. 
 
Section 13. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.  
 
Section 14. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, other 
issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly.  
 


Section 15. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.