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 LoanLite now available through UnionDigital Bank mobile app

by Info @Brand Zone | September 8, 2026

QUEZON CITY, 8 September 2026 – The Social Security System (SSS) announced that UnionDigital Bank (UD) has officially began accepting applications for the SSS Micro Loan Program, also known as SSS LoanLite, though its mobile application, giving qualified SSS members a convenient and secure digital channel to access short-term financial assistance.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said UD is the first of the four participating financial institutions (PFIs) to make SSS LoanLite available through its digital platform.

“After months of preparation, SSS LoanLite is finally here. Qualified members can now apply through the UnionDigital Bank mobile application, making access to short-term financial assistance more convenient and secure,” de Claro said. “We are also working with our other PFIs, which will soon make SSS LoanLite available through their respective digital platforms.”

SSS LoanLite is a digital microloan facility designed to provide qualified members with accessible, secure, and affordable short-term financial assistance for immediate needs. It is part of SSS’ continuing efforts to promote financial inclusion, strengthen member services, and provide members a safer alternative to informal and potentially predatory lending arrangements.

First SSS loan facility for employed members with fully digital application

SSS LoanLite is the first SSS loan facility for employed members that allows qualified private-sector employees to apply through a PFI’s mobile application without the employer certification normally required for conventional SSS loans.

The application and related transactions are facilitated through the UD mobile application, eliminating the need for members to secure and submit the usual employer certification for conventional SSS short-term loans.

Qualified members may apply for loans ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱20,000, depending on the average of their 12 latest Monthly Salary Credits. Available repayment periods are 15, 30, 60, or 90 days, with an interest rate of 8% per annum, equivalent to approximately 0.67% per month.

The fully digital process is designed to make loan application more convenient and may allow eligible applications to be processed and approved within minutes, subject to the applicable SSS and PFI requirements, verification procedures, and system processing.

Eligibility and other requirements

To qualify for SSS LoanLite, members must meet the eligibility requirements under SSS Circular No. 2026-005, including the applicable age, with at least 36 total contributions, including at least six posted monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the loan application, having no past-due Short-Term Member Loans or active SSS Micro Loan, maintaining an account with the PFI enrolled in its online facility, and meeting the other requirements on existing loans, benefit claims, and SSS account status.

All eligibility requirements under SSS Circular No. 2026-005 shall apply. Members are encouraged to review the Circular for the complete eligibility requirements, loan terms, conditions, and other program details. The Circular is available on the official SSS website.

Repayments will be collected according to the agreed schedule through an automatic debit arrangement, which will serve as the default collection mode. Deductions will mainly be made from the account where the loan proceeds were credited. Members are encouraged to repay on time to maintain good standing and remain eligible for future SSS LoanLite availment, subject to applicable requirements.

Safer alternative to informal lending

De Claro said SSS LoanLite is intended to help address members’ short-term financing needs while encouraging them to use formal financial services.

“SSS LoanLite is part of our broader effort to expand access to formal financial services and protect our members from predatory lending. Through our partnership with UD, we are supporting faster, safer, and more convenient access to credit for qualified members,” de Claro said.

SSS reminded members to use only the official UD mobile application when applying for SSS LoanLite and not to transact with individuals or third parties offering to process their loan applications.

Members are advised to carefully review the loan disclosure statement before accepting the loan, including the applicable interest, fees, repayment schedule, and other terms and conditions.

SSS will continue to work with its other PFIs to make SSS LoanLite available through their respective digital platforms, providing more qualified members with convenient access to formal short-term credit.