27/02/2026
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ -๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ
February 27, 2026
The Provincial Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (POSCA) joined the Provincial Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PPDAO) in holding an orientation on government programs and services in partnership with the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth at the PPDAO office. Attendees included members of the Blind Association, other persons with disabilities, and POSCA staff. While participants were primarily persons with disabilities, the session highlighted programs especially beneficial for senior citizens with disabilities and their families, such as retirement pensions, disability benefits, housing support, and health coverage.
The program, hosted by Juniver Romano II, opened with a prayer led by POSCA staff Radj Araรฑez. POSCA staff Joy Tablon underscored the importance of understanding these programs, particularly for senior citizens with disabilities who have contributed over the years and can rely on them for long-term financial security, health protection, and family support. A dance intermission by Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College (ZDSPGC) students added energy to the gathering.
Shiela Mae Diana of the Blind Association then performed a heartfelt song. POSCA Officer-In-Charge Miriam Acosta-Llanos addressed the participants, explaining that the orientation aimed to guide persons with disabilities in accessing government programs. She thanked the partner agencies for sharing their expertise and acknowledged the active participation of attendees.
Representatives from Pag-IBIG Fund, including Marketing Specialist Jenelyn A. Lacambra and Customer Service Assistant Irvin Lloyd P. Durano, discussed membership, savings, and housing benefits. For senior citizens with disabilities, contributions accumulated over the years can be withdrawn upon retirement or maturity, providing financial support for themselves and their families. Housing loans, including the Regular Housing Loan of up to six million pesos and the Affordable Housing Loan for minimum wage earners, were highlighted, with mortgage redemption insurance offering protection for dependents in the event of a memberโs death.
PhilHealth representatives, including Social Insurance Officer I Ernolyn O. Gella and Social Insurance Assistants I Roberto G. Pepito and Luiji O. Jatico, explained membership registration and benefits. Programs such as inpatient care, treatment for serious illnesses like cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV, and preventive services through the โYAKAPโ program were emphasized as especially relevant to senior citizens with disabilities. Updating Member Data Records to include dependents ensures timely access to benefits, helping families maintain health security.
SSS Account Officer Ramil A. Rojas discussed registration requirements and contributions for employed, self-employed, and voluntary members aged 18 to 59. He highlighted benefits that directly support senior citizens with disabilities, including retirement pensions, disability benefits, funeral and death benefits, and loan programs that can provide additional support to families. Timely payment of contributions ensures continued eligibility for these benefits.
During the open forum, participants asked questions about contributions, membership continuity, and accessing loans. PhilHealth clarified processes for obtaining IDs and coverage for dependents, while SSS addressed beneficiary concerns, including spouses and children from previous relationships. The PPDAO/POSCA assured participants that assistance would be provided to ensure accessibility for all.
The program concluded with additional musical and dance performances. Advocacy Promotion Specialist Catherine Delos Santos delivered closing remarks, thanking the partner agencies and participants. After the formal session, attendees were able to access services such as free blood pressure monitoring and assistance with printing PhilHealth records and IDs.
Through this orientation, POSCA reinforced its commitment to ensuring that senior citizens with disabilities who have contributed to these programs are informed and guided in accessing services that provide financial security, health protection, and family support โ helping them and their families plan for a secure and stable future.