By Anna Mole
SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – The Social Security System (SSS) South Luzon I Division marked its regional celebration of Pensioners’ Day in San Pablo City on September 12 by highlighting the agency’s pension reform program and the recent increase in monthly senior citizen pension benefits.
The event forms part of the 68th Anniversary of SSS, which highlights the agency’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of pensioners while ensuring they remain informed about new reforms and services.
SSS South Luzon I Vice President Engr. Edwin Igharas emphasized the importance of the annual celebration as a platform to engage with pensioners and address their concerns.
“This is our way of giving back to our pensioners who have been part of the system’s growth. We want to assure them that SSS continues to improve our programs for their benefit and we now have a SSS Pension Reform program where they can enjoy a 10 percent percent increase on their pension for three years from the government,” Igharas said.
SSS said that the reform is designed to strike a balance between providing adequate pensions to retirees and ensuring that future generations of members will continue to enjoy the same security.
64 year-old Benita Jonos Catahan of Nagcarlan, Laguna, expressed her appreciation for the reforms being implemented by the SSS which directly benefits her in easing financial burden amid rising healthcare costs and daily expenses.
“We are grateful for the 10 percent increase in our pension because us seniors already have maintenance. We already have many needs. This is additional help with our need to buy medicine, so thank you very much,” she said.
Other topics discussed during the program was the SSS Pension Reform Program, which seeks to secure the long-term sustainability of the Social Security Fund by introducing enhancements in benefits for members.
Participants were treated to a series of activities, including free health checks, financial literacy sessions, and forums where they could raise inquiries directly to SSS officials.
The SSS Pensioners’ Day is celebrated nationwide to recognize the contributions of retirees to nation-building and to keep them informed of programs that directly affect their welfare.
