BANGUED, Abra (PIA) – More than 300 contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) workers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Abra are now covered by the Social Security System (SSS).

This following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between SSS Bangued branch head Edward Urua and DPWH led by Abra District Engineer Joselito Arao.

“Nakikita namin dito iyong advantage ng bawat empleyado sa mga benefits dito. On the onset is willing kami na i-encourage ‘yung mga empleyado na mag-member lalo na sa kanila na walang security of tenure so kailangan talaga nila iyong mga benefits,” Arao shared.

[We see the benefits to the advantage for each employee. On the onset, we are willing to encourage the workers to become SSS members since they do not have security of tenure, and they really need the benefits.]

Under the MOA, the SSS will cover the DPWH COS and JOs as self-employed members under the Social Security Act of 2018. The agreement will also help them with the remittance of their monthly contributions.

The Social Security Act of 2018 enables COS and JO personnel employed by the government but not under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to apply with the SSS self-employed program.

This will provide the workers with protection against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other incidents that SSS covers.

“Ammo tayo nga dagitoy contract of service ken JO employees are not covered by the GSIS ket daytoy lang SSS ti namnamain tayo nga mangproteksyon kadakuada aglalo dagitoy ket mapmapan da iti field,” Urua said.

[We know that contract of service ken JO employees are not covered by the GSIS, and it is  only the SSS that we can expect to provide them with social security protection especially that they go to the field.] 

SSS members can avail of services such as sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, and death benefits among others. These benefits aim to safeguard the financial well-being of members.

Arao encouraged other employees who are not yet members of the SSS to apply, and avail of the different services, programs, and benefits as SSS members.

 "Dito sa DPWH,we have more than 300 COS and JOs sa dami ng aming trabaho tapos limited iyong permanent positions. Sana lahat ma-enter into this MOA. We encourage iyong mga gustong mag-apply sa SSS na beneficial palagi itong programa nila," he said.

[We have more than 300 COS and JOs at DPWH with the many works we have, and with just limited permanent positions. Hopefully, all will be entered in this MOA. We encourage  those who want to  apply to SSS that its programs are all beneficial.]  (JDP/JJPM-PIA Abra)