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MI. Gregorio stressed that nothing less than social security called the attention of all participants gathered here. Within the framework of national economic planning, the security and welfare of the individual was stipulated: to relieve him from suffering and distress, and to provide for his temporary or permanent days of non-productivity. Whether this social aspect would lead or follow economic change was impossible to say in general. For the moment, however, it was required to investigate the possibility that while economic factors affected the outcome, social conditions were decisive.
Ultimately the end was man. As the global society shrinks, one should carry the logic through: taking part in the development of nations one had the commitment to be both responsible and responsive to the overwhelming pressures of population and poverty. A brave step was taken today. From this one would proceed into new dimensions compelled only by the purposes of giving to man his dignity to live as a human being on this earth.
The Acting Administrator esteemed it to be a great honour that the Philippine Government, through its Social Security System, accepted to host the seminar. The Government was most grateful to the ILO, the NORAD and the ISSA for the organisation, support and expertise that they have contributed to the realisation of this forum.
After appreciating the significance of the decision to hold the seminar in the Philippines, Mr. Gregorio stated that his country sits in judgment before the world community as a result of the imposition of martial rule in 1972. President Ferdinand B. Marcos in such a declaration envisioned not just the restoration of a just and social order, but a new society destined to survive if only because its concern for social justice became the goal of the State. The nation had just begun to realise the full significance of this historic political act. One of the earliest changes in the first days of Martial Law in the Philippines was the amendment of the Social Security Law. It strengthened the ideological base which committed government to the aspiration of the people: in the increase in social security benefits, the granting of survival pensions and funeral expenses, and the necessary administrative measures that obliged responsibility and compliance to the law. In effect, the very structure of the national development had become measure of services.
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