The initiative, recognized nationally for its focus on social welfare and retirement benefits for farming families, was formally recognized by development advocates last year when PARCCOM-Cagayan received a plaque of recognition for its policy proposal on the welfare of the farming sector.
A Plaque of Recognition was actually awarded to PARCCOM-Cagayan as one of the highlights of the National Conference of PARCCOM Chairpersons last December 2025, as recognition of outstanding PARCCOMs and individuals for their commitment and valuable contributions to the effective implementation of CARP.
Proposal Aims to Address Rural Social Security Gap
Under the proposal, which draws on broader national legislative discussions on agricultural pensions, eligible farmers and fisherfolk would receive periodic retirement benefits to supplement their incomes in old age, closing a disparity in which many in agriculture remain outside traditional pension systems such as the Social Security System (SSS). Similar pension-for-farmers schemes have been pursued in the national legislative arena, including bills in Congress aimed at creating comprehensive agricultural pension programs.
Proponents argue that pension support would provide a safety net for workers who are often excluded from formal employment benefits and who face livelihood risks from weather events, market volatility, and limited access to credit and insurance products.
Context: Broader Push for Farmer Welfare
The PARCCOM’s pension proposal fits within a broader context of efforts to strengthen supports for farmers in Cagayan Valley and nationwide. Government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) have been expanding programmatic support through financial assistance, insurance coverage, and agrarian development initiatives aimed at productivity and income enhancement. Recent initiatives include expanded crop insurance coverage under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), now supported by an increased budget to cover millions of farmers and fisherfolk across the country.
Lawmakers have similarly sought to address gaps in social protection; for example, a bill filed in the House of Representatives proposes an agricultural pension program that would offer pensions and other benefits to registered farmers and fishermen, recognizing them as vital to national food security yet vulnerable to poverty.
Local and National Dialogue Continues
While PARCCOM-Cagayan’s proposal currently exists as a policy recommendation at the provincial and agrarian reform coordination level, supporters believe it could catalyze broader national policy adoption if integrated into the work of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) and relevant congressional committees.
“This is not just about retirement pay; it’s about dignity and stability for those who feed the nation,” said a representative from the farmers’ sector who has engaged with PARCCOM forums on social welfare priorities.
Standard Composition of a PARCCOM (per Republic Act 6657 and DAR rules)
A PARCCOM in any province, including PARCCOM–Cagayan, consists of the following members:
1. Chairperson
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Appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) Executive Committee.
2. Ex-Officio Government Representatives
These are usually officials or designated representatives serving by virtue of their positions:
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Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) – acts as the Executive Officer of the PARCCOM.
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Provincial Agriculture Officer or Provincial Agriculturist – represents the Department of Agriculture (DA).
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Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) – represents the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Representative – designated by the LBP regional office.
3. Elective Members from Local Sectors
These are generally elected or selected locally, representing key agrarian stakeholders:
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One representative of farmers’ organizations in the province.
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One representative of agricultural cooperatives.
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One representative of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in agrarian or rural development.
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Two representatives of landowners, one of whom must be a producer representing the principal crop of the province.
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Two representatives of farmers and farmworker beneficiaries, one of whom must be a farmer or farmworker representing the principal crop of the province.
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One representative of cultural communities, where applicable, representing indigenous or other cultural groups in the province.
Next Steps
Advocates are now urging stakeholder consultations with farmer organizations, local government units, and national policymakers to refine pension eligibility, funding mechanisms, and integration with existing social welfare and agricultural programs — such as crop insurance, livelihood support, and agricultural credit — before formal legislative action can be pursued.
As discussions unfold, farming communities and rural advocates are watching closely for the proposal’s potential to transform long-standing patterns of agrarian insecurity into a more resilient rural social protection framework.
