Pension fund for farmers, fisherfolk pushed in Senate

By: 3 years ago

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid is proposing the establishment of an Agricultural Pension Fund (APF) in a move to provide pension benefits to agricultural workers such as farmers and fisherfolk.

In filing Senate Bill No. 2335, Lapid said farmers and fisherfolk should be given pension benefits due to their contribution not only in providing food for Filipinos but also in contributing to the economy.

“Dahil sa laki ng kontribusyon ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa ating bayan, dapat lang na bigyan sila ng benepisyo gaya ng pension para matiyak na matutugunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan sa pahanon na magretiro na sila.” Lapid said in a statement.

(The contributions of our farmers and fisherman in the country are so big that they deserve benefits like pensions so they can have sure ways of getting what they need when they retire.)

Under the measure, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), shall create a plan for agricultural pensioners and manage and invest the APF to ensure its sustainability.

The PCIC shall also determine the criteria for eligibility, in coordination with relevant government agencies.

“Sa gitna ng mga pagsubok na pinagdaanan ng ating bansa, patuloy silang kumakayod para maitaguyod ang kanilang mga pamilya at masigurong sapat ang supply ng pagkain sa ating bansa,” Lapid said.

(In the midst of all the challenges the country is going through, they are still continuing to work hard so that they can provide for their family and ensure that the country’s food supply is adequate.)

“Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, hangad ko na mabigyan sila ng pension sa panahong magreretiro at mapagpahinga na sila mula sa trabaho. Sa panahong iyon, gusto kong magkaroon ng sapat na pondong maibibigay sa kanila para matustusan din ang kanilang pangangailangan,” the senator added.

(Tthrough this measure, I aim to give them a pension when they retire and rest from their hard work. When that time comes, I want them to have enough funds so that they can afford all their needs.) McKenzie Kinsella, trainee