The Social Security System (SSS) started today a countdown to its 60th anniversary celebration, with a simultaneous nationwide conduct of Pensioners’ Day as a show of appreciation in helping build a better SSS during their working life.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that the SSS recognizes the valuable contribution of the agency’s pensioners who religiously paid monthly premiums during their younger years.
“We truly appreciate our pensioners and their dedication to SSS. They have spent many years working to provide for the needs of their families and to be able to contribute to SSS. Now, it’s our time to give back and take care of them,” said Dooc.
The event which was organized with the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FESCAP) and Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) was attended by almost 3,500 pensioners who received free medical check-ups and medicines. Medical Specialists also gave lectures about wellness and health.
Aside from free medical assistance, pensioners also actively participated and played in various games and a good number went home with raffle prizes. Meals were also served during the event and each pensioner received a token of appreciation.
“Since this program was for them, the pensioners were also given the chance to showcase their talents and it was such a joy seeing them perform and in the pink of health,” said Dooc.
In the National Capital Region, the Pensioners’ Day was held at the SSS Main Office in East Avenue wherein about 500 pensioners attended the event. More than half of the attendees are members of FESCAP headed by Mr. Jorge Banal Sr.
On the other hand, the Pensioners’ Day in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were held in selected places.
In Luzon, the Pensioners’ Day was held at the 5th Floor of SSS Baguio, OSCA in Cauayan, Isabela, Ayala Malls Activity Center A and B in Legaspi, SM Pampanga Trade Hall in Pampanga, Marawoy Covered Court in Marawoy Lipa City, Robinsons Place Activity Center in Calasiao, Pangasinan, and Centtro Mall in Los Baños, Laguna.
For Visayas, the event was held in Cogon Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City, Brgy. Punta Gym in Ormoc City, Banago Elementary School 1 Gym in Bacolod City and Brgy. Katilingban Covered Gym in Molo, Iloilo City.
Meanwhile, Pensioners’ Day in Mindanao were conducted in the Event Center of Limketkai Mall in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, GSP Covered Court in Matiao Nat’l Highway in Mati, Davao, Robinsons Place in General Santos City and City Mall in Tetuan, Zamboanga City.
“Each event in the said place was attended by almost 200 pensioners who enjoyed the same set of activities. We are very happy that we were able to bring joy to our pensioners nationwide even for a day,” said Dooc.