SSS in Partnership with DPWH Benefits More Than 300 Contractual and Job Order Employees in the Philippines
The Social Security System (SSS) covered more than 300 contract of service and job order workers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Abra. Joselito Arao, DPWH Abra District Engineer, and Edward Urua, SSS Bangued branch head, both signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) contract.
Arao stated, “Nakikita namin dito iyong advantage ng bawat empleyado sa mga benefits dito. On the onset is willing kami na i-encourage ‘yung mga empleyado na mag-member lalo na sa kanila na walang security of tenure so kailangan talaga nila iyong mga benefits.”
[We see the advantage of the benefits for each employee. On the onset, we are willing to encourage the workers to apply for membership since they do not have security of tenure, they really need the SSS benefits.]
Written under the MOA, SSS will provide DPWH COS and JOs as self-employed members covered in the Social Security Act of 2018, as this agreement also aims to assist with the remittance of their monthly contributions.
The Social Security Act of 2018 allows COS and JO personnel employed by the government but not under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to acquire the SSS self-employed programs. This covers protection against the risk of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other incidents for the workers. They can also claim services such as sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, and death benefits among others. Stated benefits aim to secure the financial gains of members.
Urua cited, “Ammo tayo nga dagitoy contract of service ken JO employees are not covered by the GSIS ket daytoy lang SSS ti namnamain tayo nga mangproteksyon kadakuada aglalo dagitoy ket mapmapan da iti field.”
[We know that contracts of service and JO employees are not covered by the GSIS, and we expect that SSS can provide them with social security protection, especially that they work onsite.]
Arao encouraged other employees who did not submit their SSS application to comply and avail different services, programs, and benefits as SSS members.
He stated, “Dito sa DPWH, we have more than 300 COS and JOs sa dami ng aming trabaho tapos limited iyong permanent positions. Sana lahat ma-enter into this MOA. We encourage iyong mga gustong mag-apply sa SSS na beneficial palagi itong programa nila.”
[Here at DPWH, we have more than 300 COS and JOs due to numerous workloads but limited permanent positions. Hopefully, all of us will be covered by the MOA. We also encourage those who are interested to apply to be an SSS member as its programs were all beneficial.]
