QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Rolando Ledesma Macasaet has officially stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Social Security System (SSS), effective Sunday, October 6, after nearly two years in the role.
His departure marks the end of a tenure that began on January 5, 2023, during which he made significant strides in expanding social security coverage across the Philippines.
Under Macasaet’s leadership, the SSS intensified its membership drives, successfully registering a record-breaking three million new members between January and September 2024. This figure more than doubles the number of new members recorded during the same period last year, a notable increase from the typical annual average of one million.
“Given our intensified efforts, we are optimistic about reaching four to five million new members by the end of the year,” Macasaet said.
A key initiative during his term was the KaSSSangga Collect Program, which extended social security benefits to over half a million job order, contract of service, and barangay workers who previously lacked coverage.
This program has over 3,300 partners nationwide and aims to provide essential support to workers serving local government units and national agencies.
Macasaet also prioritized accessibility to SSS services through innovative programs like SSS eWheels and the E-Center sa Barangay. These initiatives brought services directly to remote communities, allowing members to access crucial support without the need for extensive travel.
In addition, he led the launch of the MySSS Pension Booster, a revamped savings program designed to enhance retirement funds with a target annual return rate of up to 7.2 percent. Macasaet emphasized the importance of early retirement savings, encouraging members to start as soon as they begin earning.
Macasaet’s administration also saw the relocation of SSS branch offices to shopping malls, improving accessibility for members and potentially saving the agency nearly P1 billion in rental costs over the next five years.
Furthermore, he oversaw the launch of a new, user-friendly SSS website and a brand refresh to better communicate the agency’s commitment to its members.
In a farewell statement, Macasaet highlighted his dedication to listening to the needs of stakeholders. He established the Stakeholders’ Forum to gather insights from members and employers to shape SSS policies that meet the evolving needs of Filipino workers. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
