Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 522

Introduced by Representative Reynante U. Arrogancia

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Anticle XIV of the 1987 Constitution provides the right of all citizens to quality education
at all levels and to make such education to all. Section 3 of Article XIV also provides for
the establishment a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other
incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools,
especially to the underprivileged.

Based on the 2023 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) poverty incidence report the
fisherfolk and farmers have the poverty incidence at 27.4% and 27%, respectively. This
means that individuals belonging to the families have income below the official poverty
thresholds compared to other sectors. ' Poverty is one of the main reasons hindering children
of our fisherfolks and farmers in achieving education. Most of them live in rural areas with
geographical disadvantaged to access higher learning institutions.

Hence, the filing of this bill to enable children of fisherfolks and farmers access to education
through a specific government education program for these children. This bill has been filed
in previous Congresses and it is hoped that the same shall be given consideration this 20"
Congress and will pass into law. In view of the foregoing, this representation seeks approval
of this bill.

-YNANTE LOGANCIA.

' Poverty Statistics. htps//psa.gov.phistatstics/poverty


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 52 2

Introduced by Representative Reynante U. Arrogancia

AN ACT
GRANTING SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS TO THE 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:

SECTION 1. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “Educational Scholarship for
Children and Dependents of Farmers and Fisherfolks Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to ensure access to quality
education, recognizing the fundamental right to education of every child.

SEC. 3. Scholarship for Children and Dependents of Farmers and Fisherfolks. - The
Department of Agriculture (DA), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd)
and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), shall establish a scholarship program
for the children and dependents of farmers and fisherfolk listed in the Registry System for
Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). The children and dependents of farmers and
fisherfolk shall be entitled to a full scholarship from basic education until the completion of
tertiary education subject to rules and regulations, as mandated by this Act. Provided, That
the aforementioned meet the admission requirements of the public elementary and
secondary schools, and SUCs, where they intend to enroll in,

‘The benefits shall include all expenses for education in public elementary and secondary
schools, and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), such as but not limited to tuition fees,
miscellaneous and other fees, board and lodging, transportation expenses, allowances for
books, clothing, food, and other similar expenses.

SEC. 4. Special Funds for Educational Benefits. — In order to carry out the provisions of
this Act, there is hereby established a Special Fund, to be known as the “Education Benefits
for Farmers and Fisherfolks Fund,” in the amount of Fifty Million Pesos
(Php50,000,000.00). Such Fund shall be perpetually maintained and used exclusively for
the benefit of children and dependents of farmers; Provided, That not more than 5% of this
Fund shall be used for the administration of this Special Fund.


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SEC. 5. Administration of the Fund, — The Unified Student Financial Assistance for
‘Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Governing Board, in consultation with the Department of
Agriculture, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), and three (3) representatives from the farmers and fisherfolks selected
from a verified procedure of selection as agreed upon by the farmers and fisherfolks, shall
have the primary responsibility of managing and supervising the Fund. It shall also be
responsible in formulating the mechanics, scope and limitations, and requirements of the
scholarship program.

‘The UniFAST Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat providing administrative support
to the Board and shall perform functions as authorized by the UniFAST Board.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - Within sixty (60) days from the approval
of this Act, the Board shall promulgate rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and
effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or
parts thereof which 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 after its publication in
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,