Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT PROVIDING AGRICULTURAL PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY 
BENEFITS TO FARMERS AND FISHERFOLKS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In 2021, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed that 
approximately one-quarter of the country's workforce is employed in agriculture. This reality 
highlights the critical importance of agriculture not just in food security, but as well as in 
economic stability. Despite this, the sector produced only 9 percent (9%) of the country's gross 
domestic product (GDP), and the output remains low compared to other sectors. 
 The challenges mentioned above stemmed from the decline in population growth, 
shrinking farm size, and decreasing worker incomes. To mitigate this, the PIDS provided three 
pathways forward, one of which is improving credit access for farmers and fishermen. This could 
be achieved by adopting innovative financial services that effectively address their needs. 
 Further, Climate Change is another challenge that poses a risk to development as it 
impedes economic activities, disrupts agriculture, and damages infrastructure. According to the 
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), 
the Philippines experiences an average of twenty (20) tropical cyclones yearly, which positions 
our farmers and fisherfolks in a most vulnerable position. 
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November 12, 2024
8:00 am


In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT PROVIDING AGRICULTURAL PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY 
BENEFITS TO FARMERS AND FISHERFOLKS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the ""Agriculture Pension Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to: 
(a) Establish, develop, and promote sound and viable social security schemes suitable to
the needs of the people;
(b) Strengthen the agriculture sector through sustainable efforts to end hunger, achieve
food security, and improve the general health and nutrition of the Filipinos;
(c) Protect and promote the welfare of farmers and fisherfolks through policies that
would subside their socio-economic risks and vulnerabilities with the end view of
improving their quality of life, and:
(d) Provide and institutionalize a comprehensive pension and social security program for
the benefit of agricultural workers
SECTION 3. Creation of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Social Security and Pension 
Program. - "The Farmers and Fisherfolk Social Security and Pension Program" herein referred 
to as the “Program," shall provide farmers and fisherfolks with a modest, dependable income 
security upon retirement. The Program shall consist of a comprehensive set of objectives, targets, 
and a holistic approach to providing sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral 
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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 (SS) 
and relevant programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Crop Insurance 
Corporation (PCIC). 
 
 SECTION 4. Implementing Agencies. - The PCIC, an attached agency of the DA, and 
the SSS shall be the primary implementing agencies of the provision 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 necessary 
operational reports.  
(b) The SSS and PCIC shall tap the expertise of other relevant government offices to 
formulate the objectives, trends, and approaches under the Program.  
(c) 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 for the 
efficient 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 improvement of the quality of life of farmers 
and fisherfolks. 
 
 SECTION 5. Program Review. - The Program shall be reviewed every five (5) years to 
assess its effectiveness, sustainability, and relevance, to be conducted by the Philippine Institute 
for Development Studies (PIDS) with support or participation by the abovementioned 
implementing agencies. 
a. The PCIC and SSS shall provide an annual report to the DA and the PIDS detailing 
the status and progress of the Program. 
b. A feedback mechanism shall be established to allow farmers and fisherfolks to 
convey their concerns, suggestions, and grievances regarding the Program. 
c. All the following information, feedback, and reports shall be provided to the PIDS in 
a timely manner to be used on the five-year review 
 
 SECTION 6. Appropriation - 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. 
 
SECTION. 7. 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. 
 
SECTION. 8. Separability Clause. – Should any provisions or part thereof, is held 
invalid, or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall 
remain valid and subsisting.  
   
SECTION. 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent 
with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed or amended accordingly.  
   
SECTION. 10. Effectivity. – this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
   
Approved,