Solons eye giving pensions to agrarian-reform grantees

AFTER a law condoning almost P58 billion in debts by more than half-a-million agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB), lawmakers are pushing for a measure benefiting farmers and other agricultural workers by providing pension benefits to them.

Camsur Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr. and Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund S. Yamsuan called on their colleagues to pass House Bill (HB) 7963 in the Second Regular Session of Congress. The Congress went on a break last March 20 and will resume session on April 29.

According to Villafuerte, the bill seeks to mandate the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) to establish and administer an Agricultural Pension Fund (APF) that will provide ARBS with pension benefits when they reach the age of retirement.

He explained the bill recognizes that universal access to comprehensive and adequate social protection systems is an important tool to prevent and reduce poverty and inequality.

Dubbed the “Agricultural Pension Fund Act,” HB 7963 has been referred to the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization for examination.

The bill designates the PCIC, a government-owned entity under the Department of Agriculture (DA), as the implementing agency. Its responsibilities as outline by HB 7963 include: formulating a pension scheme for agricultural retirees; managing and investing the APF to ensure its sustainability; establishing eligibility criteria in collaboration with relevant government bodies; and undertaking other tasks necessary for the efficient execution of this proposal.

Within 90 days of the Act’s enforcement, the PCIC Board of Directors, in consultation with the DA Secretary and representatives of recognized farmers and fisherfolk groups, is mandated to promulgate the requisite implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

The bill stipulates that the funding necessary for implementing its provisions shall be incorporated into the annual appropriations of the DA.

According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, there were nearly 9.7 million agricultural workers in 2019, with Bicol accounting for approximately 698,000 of them.

“Our agricultural workers, especially farmers and fishermen, are among the poorest groups in our society and are not covered by any pension program of the government,” Villafuerte said.

They “are an integral part of the country’s development and deserve due recognition for their great contribution to society by providing them with pension benefits to assist them with their basic needs when they reach the age of retirement,” he added.