Expect the Social Security System (SSS) to be more active in finding investment opportunities in the local capital markets.
That is according to SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro, who expects the state-run pension fund for private sector workers to make a killing with its investments this year.
And there’s enough reason to have such a “positive” outlook.
Amid the projected decline in interest rates as the central bank embarks on a calibrated easing cycle, De Claro said there were a lot of opportunities for business expansions. That is something that can boost the performance of companies in the stock market, where the SSS is a big investor.
READ: SSS chief: Only amendment of law can stop premium hike
As it is, the higher profits from investments are expected to augment the overall earnings of SSS, whose fund life is now projected to last until 2053 because of the 1-percent contribution hike starting this year.
“The favorable outlook should enable SSS to actively participate in the capital markets and contribute to jobs generation as companies build and expand their businesses,” De Claro said.
“Ultimately, our goal is to make SSS relevant in the life of every Filipino at every point in their lives by providing quality social protection and espousing the value of saving for the future,” he added. —Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
Postholiday passenger surge
The heavy passenger volume at the airports has yet to wane as travelers fly back to their homes and get back to reality after a long break.
AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs head Steve Dailisan said they were expecting this to spill over until Jan. 10.
The budget carrier already served over 400,000 passengers from Dec. 16, 2024, to Jan. 6, 2025, higher than the projected 300,000 passengers.
“This is why we remain fully prepared and will continue our operational readiness after the holidays and into the upcoming lively fiesta season in key destinations like Kalibo, Cebu, and Bohol,” he added.
The low-cost airline currently operates 15 aircraft. By next year, the company is hoping to restore its fleet to 24 aircraft, which would allow it to return to pre-pandemic level. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad
Solid waste management partnership
The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) is pitching in efforts to manage solid waste in the country while protecting the environment through a partnership with nongovernmental organization Ecowaste Coalition.
The memorandum of agreement between the PCAF and Ecowaste Coalition will be implemented in three phases focusing on Poblacion West in Taysan, Batangas.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with PCAF’s performance indicators and supports the Department of Agriculture’s three-year plan to expand available agri-fishery areas for increased production by improving land fertility and modernizing production systems by increasing the adoption of climate-resilient farming technologies,” PCAF OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban said.
The first phase entails crafting information, education and communication campaigns anchored on social and behavior change communication and conducting capacity-building training on waste management, composting and recycling.
The last two stages will tackle long-term sustainability, with emphasis on behavior change, better compliance with waste segregation policies and an increase in waste diversion success rates.
A technical working committee will also be established to assist local governments in accurately recording waste data and improving waste diversion efforts.
The collaboration coincides with the observance of Zero Waste Month in January. — Jordeene B. Lagare