KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato  (PIA) --  Soccsksargen Region's Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC XII) supports efforts pushing for the establishment of an SSS branch in Lebak municipality. 

During its 25th monthly meeting in General Santos City recently, the JRTF- ELCAC XII, led by TESDA Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) XII Isidro Lapeña, passed Resolution No. 55, series of 2022 "Requesting the Social Security Commission to Approve the Establishment of Social Security System (SSS) Branch in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat." 

This  JRTF-ELCAC XII move seconds Resolution No. 146. series of 2021 passed and adopted by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII during its 75th meeting on December 7, 2021 and the efforts of the local government of Lebak seeking the establishment of SSS office in the coastal town. 

Regional Director Teresita Socorro Ramos of the National Economic  and Development Authority (NEDA) XII, pointed out in her presentation that there is "no presence [of SSS] in the coastal areas of Soccsksargen Region." 

"As early as 2013, the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Lebak requested for a branch. This was reiterated in 2020 through SB Resolution No. 75," Director Ramos said. 

In fact, she added, LGU Lebak has already acquired a land in Sitio Masurot in Barangay Kinuldan where national government agencies, including SSS, may establish offices or branches. 

Lebak is under the jurisdiction of SSS Tacurong Branch, which is at least 186 kilometers away from the municipality and the other coastal towns of Kalamansig and Palimbang. The nearest route to the area passes through Cotabato City and Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality of Maguindanao. A shorter route through Senator Ninoy Aquino municipality is still under construction. 

"The services of SSS are not yet fully digitized. Some transactions such as pension claims, hospital sickness benefits, and allowances, among others still require personal appearance at concerned branches so that pertinent documents can be submitted," she said. 

"Lebak is already identified as a main growth area, economic and financial center in the coastal areas of Sultan Kudarat. The huge number of business establishments , including upcoming investments would certainly require SSS presence for both employers and employees given the growing commerce and industry in Lebak,"  RD Ramos explained further.

The proposed SSS branch in Lebak  is estimated to benefit at least 412,890 SSS members and their dependents in the municipalities of Lebak, Kalamansig,  Palimbang, and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat including the municipalities of Datu Blah Sinsuat, Upi, and South Upi in Maguindanao Province. 

RD Ramos noted that pursuant to RDC Resolution No. 146 s. 2021 the Macro Economy Development Administration and Finance Committee (MEDAFC) of RDC XII met with SSS officials to discuss the proposed establishment of SSS branch in Lebak. 

"There was a positive response but apparently  a lot of preparations has to be done particularly in coming up with the necessary data. It was also found out during  that meeting that the opening of a satellite office, branches, or servicing units needs to be approved by the Social Security Commission," she said. This, she said, prompted the RDC XII to request support from the JRTF-ELCAC XII.  (DED/PIA XII)