Aug 23, 2024 - 19:01
By manilatimes.net

SSS, DSWD ink pact for 4Ps beneficiaries

A MEMORANDUM of agreement (MoA) has been signed between the Social Security System (SSS) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) aimed at providing social security protection to 4.4 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) nationwide.

Under the MoA, the SSS will develop what it called: «AlkanSSSya» Program that will be specifically designed for the 4Ps beneficiaries.

DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian and SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet forged the agreement on Thursday that would allow 4Ps beneficiaries nationwide to become SSS members and have access to social security benefits.

Through the agreement, SSS and DSWD will work together to protect the welfare of the most vulnerable sectors of society, including those families benefiting from the conditional cash transfer program, Macasaet said.

«SSS aims to provide these vulnerable sectors with the mechanism to become active SSS members and thereby secure their future through the range of SSS benefits,» the SSS chief said.

He said that the program was established in 2011 as a micro-savings scheme for self-employed workers with irregular income, such as tricycle drivers, market vendors, farmers, fisherfolk, and other workers in the informal economy.

«We may also craft a special SSS contribution table for 4Ps beneficiaries tailored to fit their paying capacity considering the current minimum monthly contribution of P570,» Macasaet said.

Lauding his agency's partnership with SSS, Gatchalian clarified that the 4Ps beneficiaries' contribution to the SSS will only be voluntary.

He said the cash grants for the 4Ps beneficiaries cannot be used to pay their SSS contributions since it is intended for health, education and the rice subsidy.

The DSWD chief said his agency will integrate the value of SSS membership during the 4Ps Family Development Sessions, an activity attended by 4Ps parents every month.

«In these sessions, 4Ps beneficiaries share their knowledge and experience and promote learning on good parenting practices, financial literacy, and disaster risk preparedness, among others,» Gatchalian said.

Macasaet