Senator Joel Villanueva filed Senate Bill No. 244 seeking to create a pension and social security program for farmers and fisherfolk, whom he described as vital nation builders.
Under the proposed “Pensyonadong Magsasaka at Mangingisda Act”, beneficiaries will receive sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral benefits.
The program will be managed jointly by the Social Security System (SSS), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
Funding will come from national government savings, 10% of duties from imported agricultural products, and the DA’s annual budget.
Villanueva said about 10 million farmers and fishers stand to benefit. He noted that despite contributing P1.78 trillion to the economy in 2024, poverty incidence among farmers and fisherfolk remains high at around 27%.
“Sa kabila ng lahat ng kanilang sakripisyo, ipadama naman natin sa ating magsasaka at mangingisda na may masasandalan sila sa kanilang pagtanda,” he added.IMT
