House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chair Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list is pushing for the passage of a measure granting regular pension and insurance coverage to elderly, disabled and indigent farmers not covered by existing retirement systems.

The proposal seeks to recognize farmers who have spent their lives feeding the nation and ensure they are not left without support in old age.

Acidre, a principal author of House Bill No. 7663, said the measure aims to provide direct government assistance to farmers outside the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System safety nets, while prioritizing them in social welfare programs.

“Filipino farmers remain among the poorest and most vulnerable sectors in the country despite being at the forefront of food production. Many elderly farmers have no access to pension systems such as SSS or GSIS and face increasing healthcare and subsistence needs in their senior years,” Acidre said.

He said the bill seeks to address the long-standing gap by institutionalizing a dedicated social protection system for qualified farmers.

Filed by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the measure proposes a P3,000 monthly pension and insurance benefits for qualified beneficiaries.

“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, as they are often considered among the poorest in society with limited access to formal, consistent income,” Romualdez said.

“Because many farmers face low, variable incomes and often work past traditional retirement age due to financial necessity, pensions offer a guaranteed, regular income source, reducing their dependence on family members or the need to sell off assets to cover living expenses,” he added.

Acidre underscored the urgency of the measure.

“Well, simple lang po. Sa una po, isa sa pinakamahirap at pinaka-nangangailangan na sektor ng ating lipunan ang mga magsasaka. Siguro alam naman natin itong lahat. Hindi po natin puwedeng hayaan na sila po ang nangunguna sa pagbibigay, paghahanap o pagtatanim ng ating pagkain, pero tuwing nangangailangan sila ay sila pa ang nahuhuli. Sila pa ang nakakaranas ng gutom,” Acidre said.

He also pointed to the aging population in rural communities.

“Pangalawa, nakikita din natin ang pangangailangan ng batas na ito dahil sa tumatandang edad ng ating mga magsasaka. Nakikita natin ang kanilang growing needs, lalo na sa healthcare at sa pang-araw-araw nila. Malaking bagay na pagtuunan natin ng pondo at atensyon ang pangangalaga sa ating mga magsasaka, lalo na sa kanilang senior years,” he added.

Under the proposal, beneficiaries must be at least 60 years old and not receiving any pension from SSS, GSIS or private retirement systems.

“Ang basic qualification po natin para maging qualified sa panukala ay dapat 60 years old and above, hindi tumatanggap ng anumang pension mula sa SSS, GSIS o pribadong retirement system,” Acidre said.

“Tinatawag naman nating disabled kung may kapansanan na mental, medical o physical impairment, o incapacitated na hindi na nila kayang magsaka,” he added.

Beyond the monthly pension, the measure also provides life insurance and accident benefits.

“Meron tayong life insurance. May basic life coverage na ₱50,000. May accident at disability assistance up to ₱25,000 per claim. Sinusubukan natin, base sa dami ng farmers at kakayahan ng gobyerno, na maibigay ito at maisama sa pambansang budget,” Acidre said.

He emphasized that the proposal aims to establish a stable and institutionalized system rather than a temporary aid program.

“Kailangan talaga ipakita natin na may matatag tayong soci