SSS honors Filipinos abroad through Global Kabayan Day

by Info @Brand Zone | September 24, 2026

The Social Security System (SSS) brought its 69th Anniversary celebration closer to Filipinos in Hong Kong through the 2026 SSS Global Kabayan Day held from September 12 to 14 at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) OFW Global Center.

Anchored on the anniversary theme, “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado,” the three-day activity gave OFWs, pensioners, Filipino community leaders, and other members of the Filipino community an opportunity to learn about SSS programs and services, raise concerns, and access assistance.

The activity was held with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, led by Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Consul Von Ryan Ferrera, and Labor Attaché Atty. Cesar L. Chavez, Jr., together with other Philippine government offices, Filipino community organizations, and SSS partner institutions.

The activity opened on September 12 with a town hall meeting where Filipino community leaders and media guests received updates on SSS programs and services, and raised questions and concerns directly with SSS officials.

On behalf of the SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro, Vice President for Asia, Americas and Pacific Operations Division Atty. Paul Erik D. Manalo presented an overview of SSS services, while Vice President for Member Relations and Support Division Atty. Marissa C. Mapalo discussed the latest SSS programs.

“Our OFWs continue to contribute to their families, communities, and the country, even while working far from home. As their social security institution, SSS must also be there for them wherever they are,” Manalo said.

“We want our members abroad to know that their SSS remains accessible to them. Through activities like the Global Kabayan Day, we are able to bring our services closer, provide timely information, and listen directly to their concerns,” he added.

The presentations were followed by an open forum with Filipino community leaders and media guests. The activity also provided onsite assistance to OFWs applying for the MySSS Card. SSS Foreign Representatives assisted members through the application process, with support from SSS officials.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) assisted members with National ID registration and verification, a key step in securing a MySSS Card. SSS participating financial institutions, such as Asia United Bank (AUB) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), also provided onsite assistance for MySSS Card applications.

The main Global Kabayan Day program on September 13 highlighted the experiences and contributions of OFWs and SSS pensioners through testimonials and recognition activities. Around 30 SSS pensioners residing in Hong Kong were recognized in appreciation of their years of membership and contributions to the SSS. Some pensioners also shared their personal experiences and reflections.

The program also marked the signing of memoranda of understanding between SSS and Global Alliance Hong Kong and between SSS and Diwa’t Kabayan Society, strengthening ties with Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong.

On September 14, the onsite services continued, allowing OFWs and other members of the Filipino community to access assistance on MySSS Card applications and other SSS-related concerns.

The 2026 Global Kabayan Day formed part of the SSS’ 69th Anniversary celebration and marked the first time that its annual OFW Day and Pensioners’ Day activities were brought together in an overseas setting. Hong Kong and Barcelona served as the inaugural international venues for the initiative.

SSS confers awards on top employers, banks, media partners in 2026 Balikat ng Bayan Awards

by Info @Brand Zone | September 23, 2026

QUEZON CITY, 22 September 2026 – The Social Security System (SSS) yesterday recognized outstanding employers and partners that have helped the agency provide social security protection to Filipino workers, whether locally employed or overseas, and their beneficiaries, during an awarding ceremony held at the SSS corporate office in Quezon City.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said this year’s Balikat ng Bayan Awards celebrated the exemplary contributions and steadfast commitment of employers and partner organizations in supporting SSS mission to ensure that every member is protected today and every family’s future is secured.

De Claro said SSS paid tribute to two top employers, four collection partners, four disbursement partners, three accredited partner agents, and 11 media organizations, while giving special citations to six other partners during the ceremony.

“The success of the SSS in protecting the welfare of the Filipino workforce is anchored on its strong ties with employers and partners,” de Claro said. “Through their continued support, we are able to provide vital social security benefits and services to our members and their beneficiaries.”

He added that the Balikat ng Bayan Awards is SSS way of acknowledging their indispensable role in promoting social security protection for all.

SSS named Golden Arches Development Corporation and Lachi’s Dessert Bakery, Inc. as this year’s Top Employer Award winners for the Large Accounts and Branch Accounts categories, respectively.

“The Top Employer winners were chosen based on their compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, such as the online submission of employment reports, correct and up-to-date payment of contributions, proper remittance of member loan payments, and timely filing of sickness and maternity notifications. They are also active participants in SSS digital services, and their human resources personnel are well-versed in SSS and its programs,” de Claro said.

Meanwhile, the Best Collection Partner awardees are Union Bank of the Philippines (Universal/Commercial Bank), Rang-ay Bank, Inc. (Thrift/Rural Bank), CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Non-Bank), and Ventaja International Corporation (Overseas Partner).

De Claro explained that these banks and payment channels topped their respective categories for implementing efficient collection schemes for contributions and salary loan payments.

For Best Disbursement Partners, BDO Unibank, Inc. was named Best Universal/Commercial Bank, Philippine Savings Bank earned Best Thrift Bank, BDO Network Bank, Inc. received Best Rural Bank, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s DiskarTech was recognized as Best Digital Bank.

De Claro said these banks were recognized based on their performance in serving SSS pensioners and members through the timely release of benefits and monthly pensions.

The Best Accredited Partner Agents are the Local Government Unit of Valencia as Best KaSSSangga Collect Partner, First Community Cooperative as Best Cooperative Partner, and Community Saving and Credit Association Farmers as Best AlkanSSSya Program Partner.

These SSS-accredited partner agents were selected for their active participation in SSS programs that helped the pension fund expand its coverage and extend services to workers such as the self-employed, land-based OFWs, and voluntary members.

Best Media Partner awards were given to seven media organizations and four reporters/anchors. Philippine Daily Inquirer was named Best Print Media Partner – NCR, Laguna Courier as Best Print Media Partner – Luzon, and Negros Now Daily as Best Print Media Partner – Visayas.

The Best Broadcast Media Partner winners are DZMM TeleRadyo in NCR, CARE 104.3 DWAY FM in Luzon, 91.7 Ben FM in Visayas, and 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City in Mindanao.

Arlie Calalo of The Manila Times was named Best Media Personality in NCR. Geronimo Dig of 104.9 XFM Santiago City received the Best Media Personality in Luzon. Ionnes Omang of DYVL Aksyon Radyo Tacloban emerged as the Best Media Personality in Visayas, and Reynaldo Pallorina of 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City as the Best Media Personality in Mindanao.

SSS also gave Special Citations to the following for their various contributions to promoting SSS programs and services: Development Bank of the Philippines (Government Securities), First Metro Investments Corporation (Corporate Bonds), Land Bank of the Philippines (Partner in Various SSS Transactions), DoubleDragon Corporation (Contribution Subsidy Provider), Department of Foreign Affairs (Partner Government Agency), and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (Partner Government Agency).

The annual SSS Balikat ng Bayan Awards, established in 1995, acknowledges the valuable contributions of individuals and organizations in helping SSS deliver quality services and programs to its members here and abroad. The awarding ceremony is one of the major highlights of SSS anniversary celebrations every September.

SSS marks 69th anniversary with stronger member protection, expanding services

by Info @Brand Zone | September 2, 2026

By : File

QUEZON CITY, 2 September 2026 – The Social Security System (SSS) marked its 69th Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to protect Filipino workers and their families while strengthening the System’s financial sustainability, expanding access to social security, and transforming the delivery of services.

Carrying the theme “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado,” the anniversary celebrates nearly seven decades of providing social security protection while looking ahead to the evolving needs of Filipino workers and their families.

During the 69th Anniversary Press Conference at the SSS Main Office in Quezon City, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro presented the System’s latest performance and key initiatives, highlighting the continued expansion of benefits, financial assistance, retirement savings, and digital services.

“For 69 years, SSS has been a steadfast partner of Filipino workers and their families, providing protection when they need it most. As we move toward our 70th year, we are focused on making that protection stronger, more accessible, and more responsive while ensuring that SSS remains financially sustainable for generations to come,” de Claro said.

Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairperson Frederick D. Go underscored the importance of maintaining the SSS’ financial strength to ensure that it can sustainably provide and expand social protection to more Filipino workers and their families.

“A stronger fund means a stronger capacity to pay pensions and benefits. It means greater assurance that when today’s worker retires, or when hardship strikes a member’s family, SSS will have the capacity to respond," he said.

₱205.56 billion released in benefits

From January to July 2026, SSS released a total of ₱205.56 billion in benefit payments to members, pensioners, and their beneficiaries.

Retirement and death benefits accounted for the largest share of Social Security benefit payments totaling ₱180.86 billion from January to July 2026. This included ₱110.83 billion for regular pensioners and ₱43.89 billion for survivor pensioners, covering 2.70 million and 1.23 million pensioners, respectively.

Pension reform strengthens retirement protection

SSS continues to implement the Pension Reform Program (PRP), the first multi-year pension increase program in SSS history.

Under the PRP, pensioners receive annual pension increases every September from 2025 to 2027. Retirement and disability pensioners received a 10% increase in their monthly pensions, while death and survivor pensioners received a 5% increase.

For 2026, SSS has disbursed approximately ₱6 billion in additional pension benefits to help pensioners cope with inflationary pressures and higher energy costs. The pension increase was released earlier in June as part of SSS’ support for pensioners amid the national energy situation.

As of July 2026, the average basic monthly pension was ₱5,704, inclusive of the additional ₱1,000 benefit for Social Security pensioners and ₱1,150 for Employees’ Compensation pensioners.

Contribution collections remain strong

Members’ contributions reached ₱235.33 billion from January to July 2026, continuing to provide the primary funding base for SSS’ benefit and service obligations.

During the period, SSS recorded ₱268.14 billion in total revenues and ₱212.64 billion in total expenditures, resulting in ₱55.50 billion in net revenue.

Operating expenses amounted to ₱7.09 billion, equivalent to 24.3% of the ₱29.22-billion charter limit, reflecting the System’s continuing efforts to maintain prudent expenditure management.

₱1.29 trillion investment portfolio

SSS continues to maintain a diversified investment portfolio to support its long-term obligations and preserve the value of the pension fund.

As of July 2026, the System’s total investment level stood at ₱1.29 trillion, with an annualized return on investment of 4.64%.

Government securities accounted for 49% of the portfolio, followed by equities at 14%, loans to members and pensioners at 13%, real estate at 12%, and corporate notes and bonds at 8%. The remaining investments were in bank deposits, externally managed funds, and mutual funds.

SSS manages its investment portfolio through prudent risk management and disciplined asset allocation to generate sustainable returns while safeguarding the pension fund.

Expanding financial assistance

In response to rising energy costs, inflationary pressures, and broader economic challenges, SSS has enhanced its loan programs to provide members with more accessible financial assistance during times of need.

The Enhanced Emergency Loan Program (ELP), which took effect on 1 May 2026, provides qualified members with access to up to ₱20,000 at an interest rate of 7% per annum, with a six-month repayment moratorium. The program also relaxed the contribution requirement from 36 to 18 months, provided that the member has at least six posted contributions within the last 12 months.

SSS has also rolled out the SSS Micro Loan Program, or SSS LoanLite, which provides qualified employed members with a fully digital option for short-term financial assistance through participating financial institutions.

UnionDigital Bank is the first participating financial institution to make SSS LoanLite available through its mobile application. Representatives of the other participating financial institutions, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Land Bank of the Philippines, UnionBank of the Philippines, and Standard Economics, were also present during the SSS 69th Anniversary Press Conference, underscoring the strong partnership between SSS and its financial institution partners. The other LoanLite partners will make the facility available through their respective digital platforms as their systems become ready.

Strengthening retirement savings

SSS is also expanding opportunities for members to build additional retirement savings through the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) and Pension Booster (PB).

As of July 2026, MPF contributions reached ₱263.12 billion from 9.18 million members.

The PB recorded ₱2.09 billion in contributions from 95,745 members, giving members another option to build additional retirement savings.

Expanding social security coverage

As of July 2026, SSS had 44.25 million covered members, including employed, self-employed, voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Workers.

The System also maintained 292 local offices nationwide and 30 foreign offices, allowing it to serve members in the Philippines and abroad.

SSS was likewise serving more than 1 million active employers, strengthening its partnership with employers in expanding and sustaining social security coverage.

Preparing for the future

SSS is developing new programs designed to respond to the evolving needs of its members.

Among these is the Energy Sustainability Loan Program, which will allow qualified members with Mandatory Provident Fund accounts to borrow up to ₱400,000 to install solar panel systems at home. The loan will be payable over seven years at an interest rate of 6% per annum.

SSS is also developing the Mandatory Provident Fund Loan and Pensioners’ Card as part of its continuing efforts to expand financial and service options for members and pensioners.

Continuing 69 years of protection

The 69th Anniversary celebration will continue throughout September with activities recognizing SSS members, pensioners, employers, and partners.

Pensioners’ Day on 11 September will honor the country’s pensioners and highlight the importance of sustained social security protection in retirement.

The opening of the SSS Foreign Office in Madrid on 11 September will serve more than 70,000 Filipinos in Spain.

SSS Global Kabayan Day will be held in Hong Kong on 12 to 13 September and in Barcelona, Spain on 13 September to provide services and honor OFWs and pensioners.

The 2026 Balikat ng Bayan Awards on 21 September will recognize outstanding partners and stakeholders whose contributions have helped advance SSS programs and strengthen social security protection.

As SSS moves toward its 70th year, the System remains committed to strengthening its financial foundation, expanding social protection, and delivering services that respond to the changing needs of Filipino workers and their families.

Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado. #