Santo Domingo.– The Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, announced this Sunday that the next Tuesday December 2 will be delivered more than RD$600 million in benefits to retired military personnel. This amount, channeled through the Social Security Institute of the Armed Forces (ISSFFAA), corresponds to the concept of “salary per year” for personnel who retired during the year 2025.
The announcement was made during the traditional christmas lunch that the president Luis Abinader shared with retired members of the Armed Forces, an act that the Government frames in its efforts to increase the benefits and quality of life of veterans.
Message from President Abinader
President Abinader expressed his admiration and deep respect for the work carried out by retired military personnel in favor of peace, security and independence of the Dominican Republic.
“We still have a lot to do to achieve greater justice, so that their lives are of higher quality… I see it, I repeat, as an act of true gratitude,” said the president.
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The head of state called on those present to strengthen the family unit during the Christmas festivities, urging them to celebrate in harmony and protect the values that sustain the Dominican home.
Key measures to benefit retired military personnel
For his part, Minister Fernández Onofre listed the most relevant actions implemented by the Government in the last five years for the well-being of retired military personnel, following the guidelines of President Abinader:
- Salary Reconsiderations: have been executed 48,319 salary reconsiderations through the Retirement Board and Pension Fund of the Armed Forces, allowing fair and progressive adjustments.
- Income Adjustments:
- In May 2022, revenue increased from 5,271 retired who received less than RD$10,000.
- In November 2023, staggered increases of up to 10%benefiting 29,972 pensioners.
- New Free Pharmacy: He announced the start-up of a modern pharmacy, with the support of Public Health and PROMESE/CAL, which will offer free medicines to retired military personnel simply by presenting their medical prescription.
- Extraordinary Bonuses: He highlighted the delivery of Christmas bonus of RD$5,000accredited during the event for all pensioners.
The Minister of Defense stated that these actions demonstrate the social justice commitment of the Government and permanent recognition of those who forged the country’s military history.
The emotional lunch, which brought together hundreds of veterans, widows, widowers and guardians, reaffirms the permanent bond between the military leadership and those who continue to be an essential part of the great military family.
