SSS honors partners in Region 7

CEBU, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) has recognized its partners, local government units (LGUs), government agencies, informal sector groups, and media organizations for their contributions to strengthening social security protection and expanding coverage among Filipino workers.

The recognition was held as part of the agency’s 69th anniversary celebration and the 2026 Regional Excellence Awards in Cebu, highlighting the importance of partnerships in advancing the SSS mandate.

Ernesto Francisco Jr., SSS executive vice president for the Investor Sector, said the agency’s accomplishments in providing social security protection to Filipino workers would not have been possible without the continued support and cooperation of its partners.

Francisco said the SSS currently serves more than 40 million members, underscoring its significant role in protecting Filipino workers and their families.

He noted that the Philippines has a population of more than 110 million, with a median age of 28, placing the country in a period of demographic dividend.

He emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships to expand access to social security programs and improve service delivery.

“The management of SSS has continuously worked to strengthen partnerships to sustain and advance our mission of improving service delivery, expanding access to our programs and making it easier for employers, members and partner institutions to engage with us,” Francisco said.

He added that recognizing partners was not merely a gesture of gratitude but also an acknowledgment of their shared commitment to ensuring that social security protection reaches more Filipinos.

Francisco also cited the various programs and partnerships the SSS has established through memoranda of agreement with LGUs and national government agencies.

Meanwhile, Atty. Alberto Montalbo, senior vice president of the SSS Visayas Operations Group, said the annual Araw ng Pagkilala had been expanded into a Regional Excellence Awards program covering all regions nationwide.

Montalbo said the initiative recognizes partners that have gone beyond their usual responsibilities in supporting SSS programs, particularly in promoting compliance, expanding membership coverage, facilitating collections and encouraging the use of digital services.

He said the cooperation of employers, LGUs, national government agencies, informal sector groups and media practitioners has helped bring SSS services closer to members and communities.

He congratulated the awardees, emphasizing that their recognition reflects their dedication, sense of responsibility, and valuable contributions to the agency’s mission.

Eric Coronado of the SSS Visayas Central 1 Division also thanked the awardees for their continued support, saying their contributions help the agency reach more members and pensioners.

He said the awards celebrate not only individual and institutional achievements but also the strong partnerships that help advance social security protection.

“Together, we can further expand our reach, improve compliance, and ensure that more Filipino workers enjoy the benefits and security they deserve,” Coronado said.

Coronado urged stakeholders to sustain their collaboration with the SSS, particularly in disseminating information about its programs and services.

As the agency approaches its 70th anniversary next year, Francisco described the milestone as a platinum celebration and reaffirmed the SSS's commitment to strengthening partnerships and extending social protection to more Filipinos.