Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez filed House Bill 6816, the proposed Tanim-Dunong Act, to provide educational assistance to children of farmers and fisherfolk.
The measure guarantees support from basic to tertiary education in public schools, covering materials, transportation, lodging, clothing, and other essential needs without limiting the choice of course at the tertiary level.
The bill establishes a P50 million Educational Benefits for Farmers and Fisherfolk Fund, to be managed by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and representatives of the sector.
Up to 5 percent of the fund may be used for administration, with the rest reserved solely for the beneficiaries.
Benitez said the measure aligns with Senate counterpart legislation and aims to reduce rural poverty while recognizing the vital contributions of food producers.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 15, 2026
