QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Social Security System (SSS) is making steps to extend social security protection to barangay officials across the Philippines.
During the Liga ng mga Barangay’s National Congress recently, SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet urged barangay captains and kagawads from approximately 42,000 barangays to become members of the SSS.
Macasaet said that many barangay officials serve their communities for decades without receiving separation pay or a monthly pension upon retirement. “Through the SSS membership, we are offering you an opportunity to secure a monthly pension when you retire from public service,” he said.
He encouraged officials to obtain an SSS number, saying, “Even if you pay your contributions intermittently, that is fine. If you continue to pay until you reach at least 120 contributions, you will have a pension for life.”
In addition to retirement benefits, SSS members would also be entitled to various perks, including sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, funeral, and death benefits.
Macasaet further highlighted the availability of SSS loan programs, such as salary and calamity loans, as well as additional coverage under the Employees’ Compensation Program for work-related injuries or illnesses.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is advocating for the passage of a Magna Carta for barangay officials, which would allow local government units (LGUs) to allocate funds for their SSS contributions.
Romualdez pledged to support legislative measures that would enable barangay officials to be SSS members at no cost.
Macasaet praised Romualdez and Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino A. Dy V for proposing the bill, emphasizing its significance for the country’s barangay leaders.
To facilitate the registration process for barangay officials, SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Voltaire P. Agas announced that the agency set up 50 laptops staffed by personnel to assist officials in obtaining their SSS numbers. The SSS booth at the National Congress provided various online services, including account creation, contribution verification, and loan applications, ensuring that attendees could easily access essential services. (AVs/PIA-NCR)
