The Social Security System (SSS) will hold a simultaneous virtual Pensioners' Day in all of its 176 branches nationwide on August 25 to recognize the pivotal role that its pensioners played in our society.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora Ignacio said that each SSS branch is expecting around 150 to 200 retiree-pensioners to join the virtual event.

"The Pensioners' Day is our way of saying thank you to SSS pensioners. We know how hard they have worked during their working years and it's just fitting to give them tribute through this activity," she added.

On the said event, SSS will have virtual sessions on how pensioners can register and use the My.SSS portal which they can find on the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph).

"We want our pensioners to learn how to use My.SSS since we are pushing to make all our transactions available online. With the help of My.SSS, they can have a safe and convenient way of transacting with us, at the comfort of their homes," she added.

During the event, several SSS pensioners will share their testimonials on how the Pension Loan Program (PLP) helped them in their financial needs.

The SSS launched PLP in September 2018 to assist retirement pensioners in their short-term financial needs. Under the PLP, they can borrow up to ₱ 200,000, depending on the amount of their monthly pension. They can pay the pension loan of up to 24 months with a 10% interest rate per annum.

Likewise, it will feature a talk on health and wellness by representatives from the United Laboratories, Inc. (UNILAB), and Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) who will give a lecture on using online platforms.

Currently, SSS has 2.9 million pensioners wherein more than 1.7 million are receiving retirement pensions. (SSS Media Affairs Department)