MANILA, Philippines - The Social Security System (SSS) has further stepped up its presence nationwide with the opening of 15 new mall-based service offices (SOs).
This brings to 22 the total number of SOs in selected malls across the country or more than three times the number of SOs opened last year.
The seven SOs launched last year are located in Robinsons Malls in Ermita, Manila; Paco, Manila; Novaliches, Quezon City; Ortigas, Quezon City; Dasmariñas, Cavite; Imus, Cavite; and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
SSS president and chief executive officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said the SOs accept salary loan applications, maternity notifications and requests for change in data record, provide web registration assistance and resetting of passwords.
In addition, the SOs also issue SSS forms, social security numbers and employer ID numbers. Members can also go there to check their posted contributions, loan balance, salary loan eligibility, benefit claim and ID application status.
De Quiros said the opening of additional SOs is a way of reaching out to more members and allowing them to avail of SSS services even beyond office hours and during weekends.
“Our SOs help decongest the number of people transacting in SSS branches since members now have another venue for their SSS transactions. SOs are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aside from SSS, members can also transact with other government agencies that have satellite offices next to our service offices,†De Quiros pointed out.
According to the state pension fund, the space provided to them by mall operators are rent-free.
De Quiros, however, noted that mall operators benefit from the increased foot traffic from transacting SSS members.
In July alone, six SOs were opened in Robinsons Place in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Ali Mall in Cubao, Quezon City; Star Mall in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; Robinsons Place in Calasiao, Pangasinan; Robinsons Place in Angeles City, Pampanga; and KCC Mall in Lagao, Gen. Santos City.
Other SOs launched this year are located at Robinsons Malls in San Fernando City, Pampanga; Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac; Cebu City; Dumaguete City; Bacolod City; Iloilo City; Cagayan de Oro City and Gen. Santos City. In May 2013, SSS also opened an SO at Walter Mart in Calamba, Laguna.