Summer marathon Olympian shares joy as SSS pensioner

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

IN his heyday as the Philippines’ contestant in the 1968 Summer Olympics marathon, Benjamin Silva Netto enjoyed life as it unfolded and never thought about the future.

“Aging was far from my thoughts then,” Netto said.

“But I realized that when our hair turns gray, we need something to hold on to, an assurance that we can still fully live decently even after retirement. I am grateful that with the pension I get from the Social Security System (SSS) I can now enjoy that kind of life,” he hastened to add.

Netto was among the over 200 hundred pensioners who joined the 67th Anniversary celebration of SSS Luzon Bicol Division during the culmination day of the SSS Pensioners’ Day held Friday, September 6, at the Atrium of Robinsons Place, Naga City.

He said he didn’t know then that his employers were paying his SSS contribution.

Netto coached at Ateneo de Manila for 17 years and three (3) years at La Salle, but he was not mindful of the deductions or payments made to SSS by his employers. However, his institutions- Ateneo and La Salle, as compliant employers, registered him with SSS back then and paid for his contributions.

So, when he retired, he was surprised that he had a pension from SSS.

Now, he shares the importance of being an SSS Pensioner. He also encourages parents to register their children and contribute to SSS even if they are unemployed.

“Pinaka-importante po, i-encourage ta ang satuyang mga aki, na kung pwede mag member sila sa SSS. Mag contribute sinda. Kung dae sinda mga empleyado, mag self-member sinda. Ta pag abot kan panahon, ang satuyang mga problema lalo na ang mga gurang sa Pilipinas, pag abot nin pag edad, mayo na nin trabaho, dae na maka-trabaho, mayo na nin income, Netto said.

(It is very important that we encourage our children to become a member of SSS. They should contribute. If they are not employed, they can still register as self-paying members because time will come that they will age, will no longer be able to work, and will have no income.)

Another SSS pensioner, Rhiamar Atanacio, a widower since 2016, said she receives between P9,000 and P10,000 a month from SSS.

“Dakulang pasalamat ko sa SSS ta kung mayong SSS, mayo man kami pambakal bulong, mayo kaming pang happy-happy. Saka, ang pagkakan mi sa luwas, kaidto dae uso ang pagkakan sa luwas, ngonian pwede na. Maski solo ka, pwede na.” (Am so grateful to SSS, because if there is no SSS, we won’t have money to buy medicines, food, and for our good times. Before, eating outside (in restaurants) is not possible, but now, it’s possible even if you’re alone.)

The “Pensioners’ Day” was spearheaded by SSS Vice President of Luzon Bicol Division Elenita S. Samblero, together with senior officials from SSS main office, and other SSS local heads.

In a radio interview on Ugnayan sa PIA Camarines Sur radio program over IDOL FM Naga on the same day, SSS Spokesperson Quennie Agsao said that the activity is a recognition and tribute to SSS pensioners as hard-working members during the time that they were still productive and have contributed to the Philippine economy.

“Ang SSS po pig re-reconizar si mga individuals na naglatag o nagtabang sa mga grassroots, sa groundworks para sa mga current and future generations, which is very essential na i-acknowledge ang saindang sakripisyo asin mga endeavors,” Agsao said.

(SSS recognizes individuals, particularly from grassroots communities who helped with the groundwork in preparing future generations. We believe it is essential to acknowledge their sacrifices.)

Samblero also urged the pensioners to register on the SSS website to access other SSS programs for pensioners. (LSM, PIA 5)

Over 200 pensioners from various municipalities in Camarines Sur joined the Social Security System (SSS) Luzon Bicol Division in the celebration of Pensioners’ Day held in September at Robinsons Mall, Naga City. (PIA)