A measure has been filed in the Senate seeking to create a pension program for farmers and fisherfolk to help them secure their retirement.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the Farmers and Fisherfolk Social Security Program will be established under his measure to provide agricultural workers a substantial and reliable source of income security and secured retirement benefits when they reach their old age.
“Kinikilala ng panukalang batas na ito ang mahalagang papel at kontribusyon ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa araw-araw nating pamumuhay," Pangilinan said.
"Ang benepisyong matatanggap nila ay pasasalamat at pagkilala sa kanilang serbisyo at sakripisyo para mapakain ang sambayanang Pilipino," he added.
If enacted into law, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and the Social Security System will be tasked to ensure that farmers and fisherfolk get the retirement benefits they are entitled to under the measure.
A recent study published in the Philippine Journal of Science showed that the average age of Filipino farmers is 53 years old, with some engaging in farming for an average of 25 years.
The same study showed that 65% of farmers believe that their children "won't have any future" in farming and consider tilling the soil as their last resort to earn a living.
"Kailangang magpursige ang estado na matiyak ang mas magandang kalidad ng buhay para sa mga nagpapakain sa bayan, na sila ay may maaasahang retirement benefits at social security," Pangilinan said.
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