Kabataang Magsasaka Scholarship Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 JUL -2 P5:17 First Regular Session ) SENATE Ricant S. No. Introduced by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND RETURN SERVICE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED FIELDS WHO ARE CHILDREN OR DEPENDENTS OF FARMERS, TO BE KNOWN AS THE KABATAANG MAGSASAKA SCHOLARSHIP ACT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The 1987 Constitution provides under Article XIV, Section 2 (3) that the State shall "establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged". The Philippines, despite being an agricultural country, faces an unfortunate reality: farmers remain among the poorest sectors in our society. A report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Poverty Incidences in 2021 showed that farmers continue to be at the top list of sectors with the highest proportion of individuals belonging to families with income below the official poverty thresholds. This persistent condition fuels a two-fold scenario that harms not only the agricultural sector but the future of our nation as a whole: (a) children of farmers are often unable to pursue education due to financial constraints, and (b) fewer students are drawn to agriculture-related courses, seeing little promise or progress in the field.

To address this gap, this proposed measure, called the "Kabataang Magsasaka Scholarship Act," aims to promote inclusive access to quality education in agriculture and allied fields by implementing a scholarship and return service program for eligible children or dependents of farmers. This will be parallel to existing education subsidy programs of the government under the following laws: Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (RA 11524), Rice Tariffication Law (RA 11203), and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (RA 10931), among others. To qualify for this program, applicants, who must be certified as a child or dependent of a farmer, must be enrolled in, or accepted into, undergraduate or graduate programs in agriculture or allied fields identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), in a State or Local University or College (SUC/LUC), a CHED-accredited private higher education institution (HEI) in the Philippines, or an accredited partner institution abroad for those pursuing graduate-level studies or training. This bill likewise mandates the CHED, in partnership with DA and Hels, to align agricultural education with modern needs by expanding its curriculum, providing access to hands-on learning, encouraging partnerships for learning opportunities, and offering continuing education and training for graduates to stay updated on agricultural innovations. Consistent with this representation's aspiration of breaking the poverty cycle of our farmers, this measure will likewise ensure that our country will not fall short of professionals who can contribute to modernizing and strengthening the country's food security and rural development. It is for this purpose that the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. Senator

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL -2 P5:17 SENATE RECe S. No._ Introduced by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND RETURN SERVICE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED FIELDS WHO ARE CHILDREN OR DEPENDENTS OF FARMERS, TO BE KNOWN AS THE KABATAANG MAGSASAKA SCHOLARSHIP ACT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Kabataang Magsasaka

2 Scholarship Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

establish and maintain a comprehensive system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives designed to support deserving students in both public and private educational institutions, with particular emphasis on assisting underprivileged individuals. The State is committed to promoting inclusive access to quality education in agriculture and allied fields, especially for children or dependents of farmers. This initiative aims to advance food security, foster rural development, and enhance the professionalization of the agricultural sector. To achieve these goals, the State shall implement a scholarship and return service program that supports qualified students who pledge to serve in the government agricultural sector upon completion of their studies.

Sec. 3. Coverage and Eligibility. - The Kabataang Magsasaka Scholarship

Program shall be granted exclusively to eligible children or dependents of farmers, subject to compliance with the following conditions: a. The applicant must be enrolled in, or accepted into, an undergraduate degree program in agriculture or allied fields identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Agriculture (DA); b. The scholarship shall also be open to those pursuing master's or doctoral degrees, as well as post-baccalaureate certificate or diploma programs in the same fields. The minimum qualification standards, including academic and other merit-based requirements, shall be determined by CHED and the DA through guidelines to be issued in relation thereto, taking into account the academic rigors of the program, equitable access, and alignment with national agricultural development priorities; c. The applicant must be enrolled in, or accepted into, any of the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCS), or CHED- accredited partner private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, or in CHED-accredited partner institutions abroad for those pursuing graduate-level studies or training; and d. The applicant must be certified as a child or dependent of a farmer by the municipal or city agriculture office, or through other certification mechanisms as may be determined by CHED and the DA, including but not limited to the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Sec. 4. Scholarship Benefits. — Qualified scholars shall be entitled to the

following benefits: a. Free tuition and other school fees in accordance with Republic Act No. 10931 or as otherwise provided under this Act for those enrolled in non-public partner institutions; b. Allowances and support for prescribed books, uniforms, equipment, and instructional materials; c. A monthly living stipend, as determined by CHED and the DA;

d. Expenses for internships, fieldwork, field immersion, capstone projects, research, and other academic requirements as may be determined by CHED and DA; and e. Reimbursement or direct funding for licensure or board examination fees, including board review courses for applicable programs, shall be extended for the first attempt, subject to limitations prescribed by CHED and DA. Any succeeding attempts shall be undertaken on a self-funded basis.

Sec. 5. International Graduate Training Track. - To further enrich the graduate

scholarship component of the Program, the CHED and the DA shall identify select scholars for short-term certificate training, graduate diploma programs, or full graduate studies in partner institutions abroad, particularly in areas where local 12 expertise or programs remain limited. These international opportunities shall be 13 aligned with national agricultural goals and subject to screening, availability of 14 funding, and return service requirements. Scholars under this track shall be entitled to all applicable benefits provided under this Act, including allowances and support at rates commensurate with the tuition fees and cost of living in the host country.

Sec. 6. Retention Policy for Undergraduates. - Undergraduate scholars shall

remain in the program for as long as they are enrolled in good standing. Academic deficiencies shall not automatically disqualify a scholar, and CHED and the DA may provide academic support to help ensure completion of the degree.

Sec. 7. Partner Higher Education Institutions. - The Kabataang Magsasaka

23 Scholarship Program shall be implemented primarily through SUCs and LUCs that offer degree programs in agriculture and allied fields, as identified by CHED and the DA. CHED, in coordination with the DA, may also accredit private HEIs in the Philippines with demonstrated capacity, qualified faculty, appropriate facilities, and relevant academic programs as partner institutions for both undergraduate and graduate leveis. For purposes of graduate training or programs, CHED and the DA may likewise accredit foreign HEis, whether public or private, subject to guidelines and alignment with national agricultural development priorities.

Sec. 8. Administration and Implementation. - The Kabataang Magsasaka

Scholarship Program shall be jointly administered by CHED and the DA, which shall: a. Formulate the implementing rules and guidelines of the Program; b. Establish regional selection and screening committees to ensure fair and needs- sensitive implementation; c. Maintain and update a centralized scholarship database for effective tracking of scholars and return service compliance; and d. Coordinate with partner HEis, local government units (LGUs), and other agencies for scholar support and monitoring.

Sec. 9. Modernization of Agricultural Education and Training. - To ensure that

11 scholars gain knowledge and skills relevant to today's agricultural needs, the 12 Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in coordination with the Department of 13 Agriculture (DA) and partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), shall: a. Include updated and practical topics in the curriculum, such as climate-resilient farming, agri-business, farm mechanization, and the use of modern tools and digital technology in agriculture; b. Provide students with access to demonstration farms, laboratories, and equipment to support hands-on training in modern agricultural practices; c. Promote partnerships with research institutions, experts, private organizations, and agri-technology providers to support student learning and exposure to new developments in the field; d. Offer continuing learning opportunities and training programs for graduates to help them stay informed about current trends and innovations in agriculture; and e. Support the development of master's and doctorate programs in SUCs and qualified LUCs. This includes assistance for curriculum development, faculty training, research facilities, and partnerships with local governments and agri- based industries to ensure relevance to rural development needs. The CHED and the DA shall issue the necessary guidelines to implement this section effectively.

Sec. 10. Return Service Requirement. - Graduates of this Program shall be

required to render return service in the government for a minimum period equivalent

to the length of time they benefited from the scholarship, subject to the following conditions: a. Return service shall be rendered in a government agency, government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCC), local government unit (LGU), or public educational or research institution involved in agriculture or allied sectors, as determined by CHED and DA; b. Return service shall commence within one (1) year after graduation or completion of mandatory licensure requirements; c. In the event that no suitable return service opportunity is available in the government, as verified and certified jointly by CHED and DA, graduates may fulfill their service obligation through alternative placements. These may include: i. Accredited non-government organizations (NGOs), cooperatives, or private sector entities directly engaged in agricultural development, extension services, agribusiness, or research; ii. Start-up ventures or enterprises in the agricultural or allied sectors, provided these are endorsed by DA and monitored for compliance; and ili. Academic or research contributions, such as teaching or conducting DA/CHED-approved research in agriculture-related fields in public or private institutions. d. In lieu of employment-based return service, graduates may apply to fulfill their obligation by establishing an agricultural or allied-sector enterprise that demonstrably contributes to local or national development. Subject to CHED and DA approval, such graduates may be eligible to receive seed funding or startup support, provided that: i. The proposed enterprise is aligned with the objectives of the program; ii. The graduate submits a business plan and implementation timeline for evaluation; ili. The enterprise must operate for a minimum period equivalent to the return service requirement, during which it shall be subject to regular performance monitoring; and

iv. Failure to sustain the enterprise without valid reason, or deviation from approved activities, shall result in mandatory reimbursement of both scholarship benefits and startup funds received.

Sec. 11. Appropriations, - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall

5 be charged against the current appropriations of CHED and the DA. Thereafter, such 6 amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Sec. 12. Non-Duplication of Benefits. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed

9 to duplicate the benefits provided under Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Where applicable, the benefits under this Act shall be complementary to those provided under existing laws and shall supplement, not supplant, other scholarship grants or support programs for the agricultural sector.

Sec. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The CHED and the DA shall

14 promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this 15 Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

Sec. 14. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining section/s of the Act or any provision/s not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 15. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations

inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the

22 completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,