Tacloban – Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has formally introduced House Bill (HB) No. 7663, a landmark piece of legislation designed to provide a P3,000 monthly pension alongside comprehensive life, accident, and disability insurance for the nation’s farmers. Titled the “Comprehensive Farmersโ Pension and Social Protection Act,” the measure aims to fill critical gaps in the countryโs social safety net by supporting agricultural workers who are often excluded from traditional retirement systems like the SSS or GSIS. Co-authored by Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, the bill seeks to provide a “dignified sunset” for those who have spent their lives securing the nation’s food supply.
In advocating for the measure, Romualdez emphasized that the lack of formal retirement options often leaves agricultural workers in a cycle of perpetual labor. โThe creation of a pension program for qualified elderly farmers is crucial for providing financial security, reducing poverty and ensuring a decent standard of living in their later years, as they are often considered among the poorest in society with limited access to formal, consistent income,โ Romualdez stated. He further noted that the instability of agricultural earnings makes a government-backed floor essential, explaining that โbecause many farmers face low, variable incomes and often work past traditional retirement age due to financial necessity, pensions offer a guaranteed, regular income source, reducing their dependence on family members or the need to sell off assets to cover living expenses.โ
The bill provides specific protections for three primary groups: elderly farmers aged 60 and above, disabled farmers with medically certified impairments, and indigent farmers classified by their local government units. Under this proposal, a farmer is defined broadly as any individual directly engaged in crop production, livestock, or aquaculture, whether they are landowners, tenants, or workers. The program will be implemented through a joint effort between the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., ensuring that beneficiaries can access their claims through accessible channels like local banks, cooperatives, or remittance centers.
Beyond the monthly stipend, the act introduces a robust insurance layer, offering P50,000 in basic life insurance and up to P25,000 for accident and disability claims. To maintain the integrity of the program, the DA is mandated to establish a national database of eligible farmers, while strict penaltiesโincluding imprisonment of up to one year and fines up to P100,000โwill be imposed on anyone engaging in fraud. Public officials found violating the act will face temporary disqualification from office alongside criminal sanctions, ensuring that these vital funds reach the intended beneficiaries without interference.
