Marcos declares second week of September as National Pensioners’ Week

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Proclamation No. 1020, officially declaring the second week of September every year as National Pensioners’ Week.

The proclamation recognizes the invaluable contributions of Filipino pensioners while ensuring their welfare through stronger social protection programs. The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) were designated as lead agencies to spearhead activities and initiatives during the observance.

GSIS officer-in-charge Juliet Bautista lauded the move, saying it institutionalizes the agency’s long-held belief that pensioners deserve not only gratitude but also sustained support. 

“With this proclamation, GSIS now has a permanent platform to celebrate our members’ contributions while expanding programs and services that truly matter to our beneficiaries,” she said.

SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph De Claro likewise welcomed the President’s directive. “We are so blessed that the President has signed the order declaring the second week of September as National Pensioners’ Week,” he said, adding that SSS, together with GSIS, remains committed to improving members’ benefits.

Even before the proclamation, GSIS and SSS jointly hosted a National Pensioners’ Day attended by over 200 retirees from various organizations. The event featured wellness checkups, pampering services, a film showing, token distribution, and the awarding of land titles to pensioners—efforts both agencies vowed to continue and expand.“With National Pensioners’ Week now institutionalized, the government reaffirms its promise to honor retirees and continuously uplift their welfare,” Bautista and De Claro emphasized. TRACY CABRERA