Republic of the Philippines neg bi
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APR 2B)
Quezon City, Metro Manila we

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS:

Regular Session

6506

House Bill No.

Introduced by: Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Agriculture in the Philippines employs 47% of the Filipino workforce as of
2013, according to World Bank statistics. The largest sugarcane areas are
found in Negros which accounts for 51% of sugarcane areas planted,

Farming, one of the oldest professions, is oftentimes associated with
poverty because of the present situation of our small farmers and limited
financial support and development compared to other countries.

It is a fact that farmers who are employed seasonally and usually on
contractual basis are subject to poverty. It is ironic that the people who plant,
cultivate the soil and harvest are often the ones who lack food for their family.
They are living in a system where there is no security for work and assurance
of a source for their families’ sustenance and basic needs.

The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force, thereby
affording protection to the rights of workers and promote their welfare. The role
of seasonal farm workers is significant in the context of production and
agriculture but they are frequently neglected. Therefore there is a need to look
into the welfare of these farmers.

The bill seeks to recognize and provide assistance to seasonal farm
workers during off season to serve the need for other source of income by
providing them benefits and work opportunity.

As such, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

—

REP. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA
Lone District, Bacolod City


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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS,
Regular Session

6506

House Bill No.

Introduced by: Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

AN ACT
GIVING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE AND BENEFITS TO SEASONAL FARM
WORKERS

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

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Seasonal Farm
Workers Act of 2016”

Section 2. Long Title. An act providing for special assistance and
benefits in addition to any existing assistance to deserving, dedicated and
hardworking farmers.

Section 3. Seasonal Farm Workers Defined. For the purposes of this Act,
Seasonal Farm Workers are those who are employed in agricultural related
industry where work is subject to the needs during the particular season
usually in a contractual term.

Section 4. Benefits. The noble profession need not only be given credit
but it must be able to provide them with enough resource to support their family.
They must be given standard wages in accordance with law and additional
benefits in order to support their family with the basic necessities.

Section 5. Special Assistance and Benefits. The special assistance and
benefits referred to in this Act shall refer to financial grants and benefits
including subsidy for planting growing source for food which include grant of
seedlings, materials for soil cultivation and rice subsidy during off season for
work,

It shall also include special training for them to develop skills which they
could apply not just in farming but as well as in earning additional income
during the off season. Encourage them backyard gardening or organic farming
to grow fruits and vegetables which will not only alleviate poverty but will also
improve the environment and health of people


Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretaries of
Department of Agriculture and Department of Labor and Employment in
consultation with the heads and leaders of duly recognized organizations of
the local government, shall promulgate the rules and regulations to implement

this Act

Section 7, Budget. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be included in the budget of concerned government agencies in
the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and
thereafter.

Section 8. Separability Clause. If any part, section or provision of this Act
is declared invalid or on unconstitutional, other provisions not affected therein
shall remain in force and effect.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees and executive orders
inconsistent with this act is repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15 ) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation