GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS)-Mindanao is committed to pushing the implementation of the agency’s social security provisions by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government unit (LGU) of General Santos City to expand the coverage of the KASSSangga Collect Program (KCP) to job-order (JO) workers of the government.

According to Redentor Viola, vice president of SSS Mindanao South 2 Division, the KASSSangga program is designed to offer JO workers comprehensive social security benefits, which will include sickness benefits, maternity benefits, disability coverage, unemployment assistance, retirement benefits, funeral provisions, and death benefits.

Under the program, JO workers will also gain access to the various privileges available to SSS members once they meet the eligibility requirements.

Atty. Edwin Alo, vice president of SSS Mindanao North Division, also emphasized during the MOA signing the importance of the initiative, as he highlighted that JO workers, not just within the LGUs but across all government agencies, are currently not eligible to be members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). 

That is why the state, through the SSS, is ensuring that these workers receive the necessary protection and assistance, especially during financial distress, including sudden job loss.

Alo further explained that the MOA outlines the responsibility of LGU Gensan to ensure the enrollment or reporting of each JO worker to the SSS.

This process allows SSS to record and manage their memberships and contributions collectively, streamlining the remittance of their contributions under their respective names. This will also serve as the foundation for the eventual disbursement of their benefits.

In the MOA, the SSS will accurately record payments made under the names of JO workers. Alo reassured that when claims need to be filed, SSS will expedite the release of benefits “without much hassle from the local government units.”

Alo also announced the agency's commitment to conducting information and educational campaigns to enlighten all JO workers about the necessity of securing their future. He stressed the importance for these workers to have a mindset that working, whether in the private or government sector, should be paired with foresight and self-reliance, reducing their dependence on others for financial security.

Meanwhile, Viola expressed his gratitude to LGU Gensan for their renewed partnership. "The city officials of General Santos, through the leadership of Hon. Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and Vice Mayor Rosalita Nunez, truly take care of the welfare of their personnel. For this, we are very thankful."

On behalf of Mayor Pacquiao, Executive Assistant Atty. Nikki Catolico extended Mayor Pacquiao's heartfelt congratulations to SSS on the occasion of their 66th anniversary as she warmly greeted the organization, emphasizing the continuity of their collaboration. "Tuloy tuloy na ito. We all know that our job orders, they don't have employer-employee relationship, and at the end of the day they can have peace of mind na when they contribute, naa silay makuha [they have something to benefit from]."

Furthermore, Atty. Catolico conveyed the city government's support for the SSS initiative to introduce the KCP to the local governments—from the city down to the barangay level. She stressed the timeliness of this partnership and its potential to provide a sense of security for all government workers, especially in times of financial distress.

"This partnership is very timely and this is for the benefit of our job order employees so malipay gyud ni sila ani [Our JO employees will be very happy because of this]," she said. (HJPF -- PIA SarGen)