TACLOBAN CITY —Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has filed a measure seeking to grant a P3,000 monthly pension and insurance coverage to elderly, disabled and indigent farmers who are not enrolled in existing government retirement systems.
Under House Bill (HB) No. 7663, or the proposed “Comprehensive Farmers’ Pension and Social Protection Act,” Romualdez aims to provide regular financial support and social protection benefits to farmers considered among the most economically vulnerable sectors.
“The 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,” Romualdez said, noting that many farmers have limited access to stable income and continue working beyond retirement age due to financial necessity.
The measure is co-authored by Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre.
The bill defines an elderly farmer as a qualified farmer aged 60 years and above who is not receiving any pension from the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or any private retirement plan.
A disabled farmer refers to one with a medically certified physical or mental impairment that permanently or temporarily prevents the performance of farm work. Meanwhile, an indigent farmer is one officially classified as such by the local government unit based on data collected under the Philippine Statistics Authority in accordance with Republic Act No. 11315, or the Community-Based Monitoring System Act.
The proposal covers individuals primarily and directly engaged in crop production, livestock raising, aquaculture, or other agriculture-related work, whether as landowners, tenants or farm workers.
The bill mandates the Department of Agriculture (DA), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, to implement the pension and insurance program.
Qualified beneficiaries would receive a P3,000 monthly pension, along with basic life insurance coverage worth P50,000 and accident and disability assistance of up to P25,000 per claim. The DA would also allow direct claims by beneficiaries or household members through accredited banks, cooperatives or remittance centers.
Funding for the program would be sourced from the annual budgets of the DA and DSWD.
The measure further directs the DA and concerned agencies to establish a national database of elderly, indigent and disabled farmers to ensure proper targeting and monitoring of beneficiaries.
To safeguard the integrity of the program, the bill imposes penalties of one month to one year imprisonment, or fines ranging from P10,000 to P100,000, or both, for individuals found guilty of fraud. Public officials involved in irregularities may also face temporary disqualification from holding public office, in addition to administrative and criminal sanctions.
Romualdez said the proposed law seeks to recognize the vital role of farmers in ensuring food security while providing them with much-needed financial stability in times of old age, disability or hardship.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
