Senator Imee Marcos is proposing a monthly financial assistance for Filipino farmers and fishers to ensure they continue producing food.
Her proposed Senate Bill No. 2851 aims to support struggling farmers and fisherfolk, who both play a crucial role in addressing food security.
While the bill hasn’t passed yet, Marcos said it could start by supporting 100,000 farmers in the first year, giving each P2,500 a month, or P30,000 a year, which could require a budget P3 billion. By the third year, this could expand to assist 500,000 beneficiares, needing total budget of P15 billion.
“Hindi na ito pansamantalang ayuda, kundi pangmatagalang suporta para matiyak na mananatili ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa agrikultura. Ito ay pagkilala at paggalang sa kanilang pagsisikap para mapakain tayo,” the senator added.
Her proposal seeks to prioritize 30 rice-producing provinces and coastal areas like Cebu, Palawan, Iloilo, and Zamboanga to help those who need it most.
Marcos said that funding for the program could come from the P310.63 billion allocated for social protection programs in the 2025 National Expenditure Program.
“Kung mayroon tayong pondo para sa mga ayuda, nararapat lang na maglaan tayo para sa pangmatagalang sustento sa ating mga magsasaka.”IMT
