The Balikat ng Bayan Awards, established in 1995, is annually given to companies, institutions and individuals who have contributed in a significant way in helping the Social Security System (SSS) achieve its mandate.
It is the SSS’s way of acknowledging the value of its partnerships with other sectors for their unwavering support to the programs of the SSS.
The Balikat ng Bayan Award for the Top Employer is given to employers who, in a major way, have partnered with the SSS in promoting the welfare of their employees who are members of SSS. This year’s top employer for large accounts went to Knowles Electronics (Philippines), while the top employer award for medium account went to Sannovex Pharmaceutical distributor, and for small account, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The Best Collection Partner distinction is awarded to financial institutions that are consistently among the top with the highest collections; have the biggest volume of transactions and widest coverage. This year’s awardees are China Banking Corp. (commercial bank category); PNB Savings Bank (thrift bank category); Rang-ay Inc. (a rural bank), (rural bank category); CIS Bayad Center (non-OFW collecting partner); One Network Bank Inc. (Hall of Fame award, rural bank category); and Ventaja International Corp. (Hall of Fame award for OFW category).
The Best Paying Partner is awarded to financial institutions that are exemplary in delivering SSS benefits to members. This year the Land Bank of the Philippines and RCBC Savings Bank have the distinction of receiving the Balikat ng Bayan award as best paying partners.
Another set of Balikat ng Bayan awards are given to the Best Media Partner for Radio, Television and Print for their contributions in the SSS’s pursuit to provide meaningful protection to our members. The awards went to PTV-4 for Best Media Partner for television and dzRB-Radyo ng Bayan for radio.
Special citations are also given to accredited program partner- agents, financial institutions and media partners that are supporting the mission of the SSS. Special citations were given to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the social-security coverage of their job order and contractual personnel. The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Inc. was cited for being a model accredited partner-agent, while the Baganga Integrated Social Action Group was cited for being a model AlkanSSSya program partner. The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute was recognized for its full subsidy program partnership with the SSS.
Given special citations as collecting and paying partners were RCBC Savings Bank, I-Remit Inc. and Philippine National Bank. Also recognized as media partners for print and broadcast, respectively, were the “Ang Inyong Lingkod” column of Dr. Hilda Ong and Buti Na Lang May SSS weekly radio program over dzIQ Radio Inquirer 990 kilohertz, hosted by Jupiter Torres.
The circular Balikat ng Bayan plaque signifies the SSS’s vision of universal coverage and its commitment to its mandate to provide social-security protection to every Filipino. Within the circle are bas-relief figures of various SSS constituents. The map of the Philippines depicts the efforts of the SSS to bring its services closer to its members. The plaque was designed by noted sculptor Dr. Antonino Raymundo.
Congratulations to all awardees!
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For more details on SSS programs, members can drop by the nearest SSS branch, visit the SSS web site (www.sss.gov.ph), or contact the SSS call center at 920-6446 to 55, which accepts calls from 7 a.m. on Monday all the way to 7 a.m. on Saturday.
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.