AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee has filed a bill for pension and social security benefits to farmers and fishers.
The measure shall guarantee the farmers and fishers’ steady source of income to meet their basic needs once they reach old age and retire through a pension and social security benefit.
Under House Bill l No. 2420 or the Agriculture Pension Act, the program would be established to set up a pension scheme to lessen agricultural workers’ burden after their retirement to consist of the comprehensive set of objectives, targets, and holistic approach in the provision of sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death and funeral benefits to farmers and fisherfolk.
“In the trials that our country has gone through, farmers and fishers continue to work to support their families and ensure adequate food supply in our country. Through this measure, we can concretely show how we seriously value their diligence and sacrifices,” Lee said.
According to Lee, farmers and fishers are reported to have the highest poverty incidences among the basic sectors in 2018, and that farm workers are being paid an average daily wage of P331.10 in 2019, the lowest daily wage as compared to workers in the industry and service sectors.
Amid the appalling situation, Lee underscored the need for the government’s intervention to help and protect agricultural workers from physical and economic risks.
“As beneficiaries of our farmers and fishers’ immense contributions to our country, it is incumbent upon us to address their present and future needs,” the lawmaker said. (Rio)