SSS eyes more collections from voluntary members

MANILA, Philippines—The Social Security System is set to implement nationwide a savings program for informal-sector workers, including household help, after collections from these members helped boost overall collection.

Total contributions jumped 9 percent year on year to P38.95 billion as of May amid efforts to sign up household helpers and voluntary members, according to SSS president and chief executive officer Emilio de Quiros Jr.

De Quiros said Tuesday in a statement that employees accounted for P33.72 billion, or 87 percent of total contributions for the period, an increase of 8.5 percent year on year in contributions from employees, who make up about 70 percent of SSS members.

“The increase in collections from employees was complemented by double-digit jumps in remitted premiums from other sectors such as household helpers, voluntary members and overseas Filipino workers,” De Quiros said.

Collections from voluntary members rose 11 percent to P1.92 billion while contributions from the self-employed, including farmers and fisherfolk, went up 6 percent to P2.14 billion.

“We are prioritizing self-employed workers such as market vendors and those in the transport sector to enable them to get SSS protection as well,” De Quiros said.

On Tuesday, the SSS chief said the pension fund was set for the nationwide implementation of its “AlkanSSSya” program, which is meant to help informal-sector workers regularly set aside a small portion of their daily earnings for contributions.

Earlier this year, AlkanSSSya was piloted as “TrikanSSSya” among tricycle operators and drivers, and the plan is to replicate the program through partnerships with workers’ associations in the country.