AS the year 2016 starts to unfold, many Filipinos gladly shake off the misfortunes of the past year and look forward to a brighter and better year ahead. This optimism is indicated in the results of the fourth-quarter 2015 survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations, from December 5 to 8, 2015, showing that 92 percent of adult Filipinos are entering the coming year with hope, and only 8 percent with fear.
Perhaps, being spiritually evolved might have something to do with this hopeful attitude. As the Good Book says in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is often the reminder every start of a New Year that makes Filipinos look forward to the future with anticipation of good things to come.
Despite the fact that 2016 is an election year and could mean political and social upheavals, people are actually looking forward to it and the changes in political leadership it will bring.
A brand-new year is also often a chance to learn from the mistakes of the past and resolve to do better in the future—better health and work habits, better relationships, etc.
This same attitude is true among companies and organizations. It seems that the work forces in companies are filled with renewed energy and determination to top the previous year’s performance. After the holidays and merrymaking, everyone seems to be eager to get back to work.
The same can be said for the employees of the Social Security System (SSS). On the first day of work for 2016, employees eagerly manned their workstations, ready to serve the public after several days of respite. They remember all the hard work they have done in the past and the commitments to do better in 2016.
To summarize how the SSS fared, at the end of 2015 the SSS remained financially solid and its assets continued to grow. SSS’s average annual net revenue increased from P8 billion (for the period 2000 to 2009) to P33 billion (2010 to 2014). Although, as I have previously pointed out, all these could easily dissipate if the proposed P2,000 increase in pension is effected without the corresponding increase in the rate of contributions.
The SSS also made inroads in terms of its programs and services. Its efforts to reach out to various workers’ sectors resulted in an increase in membership to 33.3 million as of end of September 2015 compared to 28.8 million at the end of December 2010. It opened more branches here and abroad to attend to the increasing number of members, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
To enhance the administration of benefits to members, the SSS established 73 physical examination centers nationwide to improve delivery of medical services to members. The funeral benefit was increased from the fixed amount of P20,000 to a variable amount ranging from P20,000 to P40,000.
A 30-day grace period was granted in the filing of sickness claims not requiring hospitalization for OFW members in consideration of their location
and distance.
A voluntary provident fund for local workers, called the SSS P.E.S.O. (Personal Equity Savings Option) Fund, was implemented in 2015 to enable members to save their excess earnings.
To provide more efficient delivery of services, the SSS enabled the online submission of sickness notification, online submission of technical retirement claim and online issuance of SS number. Members applying for salary loans have the option to receive the proceeds of their loans through cash cards of either CitiBank or UnionBank.
For 2016, new payment platforms for members are in the offing. Members will have the option to pay their contributions via credit or debit cards or through short messaging service (SMS). The SSS text service at 2600 will provide additional transactions, such as benefit and loans eligibility status, as well as notification and application status. The number of self-service information terminals, now numbering 283, will be increased and deployed to the newly opened branches.
There are many plans for 2016 that aim to improve services to members. With the support of its members and stakeholders, the SSS looks forward to the future with great hope.
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For more information about the Social Security System (SSS) and its programs, call our 24-hour call center at (632) 920-6446 to 55, Monday to Friday, or send an e-mail to member_relations@sss.gov.ph.
Susie G. Bugante is the vice president for public affairs and special events of the SSS. Send comments about this column to susiebugante.bmirror@gmail.com.