MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a circular declaring the second week of September every year as National Pensioners Week.
Signed last September 10 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, by authority of the President, Proclamation No. 1020 states that while the family has the duty to care for its elderly members, “the State may also do so through just programs of social security.”
“[I]t is imperative to recognize SSS (Social Security System) and GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) pensioners for their valuable contribution to national development and raise awareness on social security protection as a critical development strategy to address vulnerabilities, social inequities, and the loss of income or financial burden brought about by old age, permanent total disability, death, and other contingencies,” part of the declaration read.
“All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and all local government units, non-government organizations, as well as the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to actively participate and render the necessary support and assistance to SSS and GSIS for the effective implementation of this Proclamation,” it added.
The SSS and GSIS were tapped to lead the observance and celebration of the National Pensioners’ Week, and identify programs, activities, and projects for the annual celebration.
