Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has underscored the urgent need to pass the proposed Comprehensive Farmers' Pension and Social Protection Act, given the sad realities that Filipino farmers have to deal with.

For starters, Acidre said it was common knowledge that farmers were among the poorest and underprivileged sectors in Philippine society.

"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," the second-term solon said, the irony not lost on him.

(We cannot allow those who lead in providing, seeking, and planting our food to be the very ones left behind when they are in need. They are the ones who experience hunger.)

“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," Acidre said.

(Second, we also see the need for this law because of the aging population of our farmers. We see their growing needs, especially in healthcare and daily living.)

"Malaking bagay na pagtuunan natin ng pondo at atensyon ang pangangalaga sa ating mga magsasaka, lalo na sa kanilang senior years (It is important that we allocate funds and attention to caring for our farmers, particularly in their senior years)," he noted.

Principally authored by former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, the Comprehensive Farmers' Pension and Social Protection Act--as outlined in House Bill (HB) No.7663--sought to establish a monthly pension and social protection program for elderly, disabled, and indigent farmers who were not covered by existing retirement systems.

It aims to provide a monthly pension of P3,000 to all qualified elderly farmers, among other benefits.

“Meron tayong life insurance. May basic life coverage na P50,000. May accident at disability assistance up to P25,000 per claim. Sinusubukan natin, base sa dami ng farmers at kakayahan ng gobyerno, na maibigay ito at maisama sa pambansang budget,” Acidre said.

(We have life insurance. There is basic life coverage of P50,000, with accident and disability assistance of up to P25,000 per claim. We are trying, based on the number of farmers and the government’s capacity, to provide this and include it in the national budget.)

As to the sustainability of these benefits, Acidre said it will all boil down to political will. But their necessity is clear as day.

“Ang sustainability ng social pension programs ay nakasalalay sa political will. Hindi ang tanong ay kung kaya bang pondohan, kundi kung dapat bang pondohan. Kung titignan ang kalagayan ng magsasaka, walang dahilan para hindi ito pondohan,” he said.

(The sustainability of social pension programs depends on political will. The question is not whether it can be funded, but whether it should be funded. Looking at the condition of farmers, there is no reason not to fund this.)

"Iyan ang pinaka-compelling reason kung bakit natin ito itinutulak. Irony sa bansa na ang farmers na nasa forefront ng food production ay nahuhuli pagdating sa pangangailangan at prayoridad ng gobyerno. Layunin ng batas na mailagay sila sa unahan at mabigyan ng sapat na atensyon,” Acidre added.

(That is the most compelling reason why we are pushing for this. It is an irony in our country that farmers, who are at the forefront of food production, are left behind when it comes to needs and government priorities. The goal of this law is to put them at the forefront and give them the attention they deserve.)

Romualdez's co-authors in HB No.7663 are Tingog Party-list Reps. Acidre, Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Andrew Julian Romualdez.