In a significant achievement, the Social Security System (SSS) Luzon North 1 division has exceeded its new member enrollment target by a remarkable 78%. Initially aiming for 58,400 new members by the end of the year, the division successfully enrolled 103,000 new members by October’s end. Ceasar Saludo, the vice president of SSS Luzon North 1, credited this success to aggressive membership drives and improved service delivery initiatives.
The region covered by SSS Luzon North 1 includes nine branches spread across various locations such as Agoo in La Union, Baguio City, Bangued in Abra, Bontoc in Mountain Province, Candon in Ilocos Sur, San Fernando City in La Union, La Trinidad in Benguet, Laoag in Ilocos Norte, and Vigan in Ilocos Sur. These branches have been actively working to expand their reach, particularly targeting students who are likely to join as members upon graduation or employment.
The surge in membership has increased the total number of registered SSS members in the area to over 900,000. As of the end of December 2023, the membership stood at 734,000, indicating a substantial growth within the year.
To facilitate easier access to SSS services, the division has established 97 electronic centers (e-centers) across various villages and establishments. Additionally, the SSS e-Wheels initiative has reached 942 locations in the Cordillera and Ilocos regions, serving over 49,000 individuals in remote communities.
Saludo emphasized the importance of social security for all working Filipinos, stating that the drive to reach out to fellow Filipinos and encourage them to save for retirement through SSS is a key motivator for the team. Christian Andrew Rillorta, the information officer for SSS Luzon North 1, highlighted the benefits of SSS membership, which include access to multi-purpose loans, salary loans, calamity loans, housing loans, disability pensions, old-age pensions, and death benefits or survivorship pensions for legal heirs.
Members can contribute to SSS either voluntarily or through their employers, who deduct and remit both the employee’s and employer’s shares of the monthly contributions. All SSS transactions, including membership registration and payments, can be conveniently managed online via the My.SSS portal.