LOS BAÑOS, Laguna (PIA) – The Social Security System (SSS) holds the simultaneous National Registration Day on July 15, as it aims to reiterate to its members, beneficiaries of SSS members, and non-members that being a member of the State insurance program is beneficial for their future.
During the program held at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), SSS Luzon Operations Group Senior Vice President Atty. Antonio Argabioso urges employees and self-earning individuals not to deprive themselves of their right to access various services and benefits available to them.
“Claim our right. Social security is a basic human right. Let’s not neglect our rights. Our motto at SSS is “No One should leave behind”. So everyone is included. We will not allow those to be left without social security benefits. This is our right,” he said.
Adding to their efforts to make everyone aware of the significance of social security as a fundamental human right, SSS has registered nearly 2,000 job order (JO) employees, Contract of Service (COS) workers, as well as some students of UPLB.
Vice President Edwin Igharas of the SSS South Luzon I Division highlighted the importance of government employees becoming members of the SSS as it provides them with access to social security benefits, which can shoulder financial woes in times of need such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and death.
“The number one importance of why we did this is for the JOs to have social security benefits and begin their contribution. Although the others are already aware of being SSS members, they are unable to contribute. One hindrance is because when this is the case, no one supervises their contribution. They pay individually per month, while others can only pay quarterly. Whereas if we have an agreement with officials, they can be the one will pay the contribution for all their employees. Better yet, they are guaranteed to be paid and have SSS,” Igharas said.
He added: “We can also educate them on the importance of SSS through our seminar as we discussed recent updates to the SSS, such as improvements in online services and new policies aimed at enhancing member experience.”
Jan Danica Asma, a newly-hired employee of UPLB who came from a private company, had the opportunity to update her SSS membership during the National Registration Day and allow her to ensure her membership records were up to date, reflecting her new employment status, and securing her continued access to the benefits provided by the SSS.
“Thankfully, I don’t need to go to [an] SSS office physically because of this program. I already updated my dependents and other info here in university and hopefully, I will be able to contribute again in individual voluntary payment.”
SSS affirms its continued improvement of systems and processes to provide more convenient and reliable social security protection, especially by spearheading on-ground activities that makes social security more accessible to more Filipinos. (AM/PIA-4A)
