IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Oct 6 (PIA) – The Social Security System (SSS) Ipil Branch has reaffirmed its commitment in ensuring the welfare of municipal Job Order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers in Zamboanga Sibugay Province.

In a recent development, the branch has entered into, not one but two Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with the local government units (LGUs) of Titay and Ipil.

These newly penned MOAs form the cornerstone for the launch of the innovative SSS KaSSSangga-Collect program, which aims to extend social security coverage to JOs and COS workers who currently lack protection from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). These individuals will now be included as self-employed members of the SSS.

The collaborative initiative was led by SSS Ipil Branch Head, Marnelli T. Pastorfide, who highlighted the critical importance of these agreements. Three MOAs were signed with LGU Titay, marking the initial inclusion of 145 JOs from various roles, including Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Child Development Workers, and Barangay Health Workers.

Pastorfide expressed her gratitude for LGU Titay's steadfast support in forging these MOAs, underscoring the pivotal safety net they create for JOs while they await GSIS coverage upon regularization. She also issued an appeal to LGUs that have not yet entered into such partnerships.

“SSS would like to implore other LGUs in Zamboanga Sibugay Province to collaborate with us in ensuring that your Job Order Workers (JOWs) become SSS members. By doing so, these JOWs will enjoy social security protection in times of contingencies, including but not limited to maternity, sickness, disability, and retirement. They will also have access to our loan privileges to meet their urgent needs,” Pastorfide said.

In parallel, LGU Ipil reaffirmed its commitment by once again entering into a MOA with SSS, this time to safeguard 52 JOs, particularly dedicated barangay day care workers operating under the Municipal Social Worker Development (MSWD) Office. This collaboration builds upon a previous agreement signed on September 25, 2018, known then as the KaltaSSS-Collect Program, which aimed to encompass all JOs under the municipal office.

Commending LGU Ipil's proactive approach, Pastorfide underscored the significant purpose behind these MOA signings, as they extend crucial social security protection to day care workers.

Under the KaSSSangga-Collect Program, both LGUs will implement an automatic deduction scheme for the systematic monthly collection and remittance of their JOs' social security contributions. This arrangement ensures access to various benefits, including coverage for contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral expenses, along with eligibility for various loan privileges. Additionally, as self-employed members, they gain access to Employees' Compensation (EC) in the event of work-related sickness, injury, or death.

The MOA signing ceremonies, held at the Titay Municipal Office and the Ipil Municipal Conference Room respectively, were attended by dignitaries and representatives from SSS Mindanao West Division, Titay Municipal Mayor Leonardo B. Talania, Ipil Municipal Mayor Anamel C. Olegario (represented by MSWD Officer Judylen Espacio-Cepe), and Early Childhood Care and Development Program Focal Person Dexter R. Barillo.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of all parties involved to enhance the social security of these invaluable workers.

Pastorfide also issued a reminder to employers or business owners who are yet to register with SSS or refuse to comply with the provisions of R.A. 11199, also known as the Social Security Act of 2018, to fulfill their responsibilities.

“We are here to assist you in the event you need guidance on the registration process. It is both a moral and legal obligation to register your employees for coverage under the SSS. Let us protect our employees by providing them their rightful social security coverage,” she emphasized.

Non-compliance with R.A. 11199 is subject to a fine ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 pesos and/or imprisonment for not less than 6 years. (RVC/EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)