𝗠𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡, 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 24) – To provide social security coverage among the office’s job order (JO) and contract-of-service (COS) workers, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 10 (BFAR-10) helmed by Regional Director Edward Yasay, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Social Security System (SSS) CdeO branch, here today. Created under Section 9-A of Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, which requires the coverage of the SSS to be compulsory for all self-employed personnel of the bureau under the KaSSSangga Collect Program. According to SSS CdeO branch Concurrent Acting Head Ira Levina Filoteo, the program, previously known as the KaltaSSS Collect Program, is open to all government entities engaging the services of COS and JO workers, who are not covered under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). “The initiatives aim to provide non-permanent workers with access to the SSS’s seven social security programs, which include sickness, maternity, unemployment, retirement, disability, death, and funeral, as well as its various loan programs,” he said.

 

In line with the agency’s principles of supporting its employees’ social security benefits, RD Yasay underscores his commitment to fostering a more equitable and supportive work environment. “By implementing this initiative, the agency is demonstrating its commitment to ensure that all workers, regardless of their employment status, have access to essential social security benefits,” RD Yasay conveyed.

 

To specify, the agreement authorizes BFAR-10 to serve as the SSS’s coverage and collection partner, collecting and remitting monthly Social Security and Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions from their COS, JO, and other individually paying SSS member-employees through a salary deduction scheme. SSS is a government financial institution in the Philippines that provides social security protection to Filipino workers by ensuring its members’ welfare and financial stability. (𝗥𝗗𝗠𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻//𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥-𝟭𝟬)