The Social Security System (SSS) has signed memoranda of agreement with two local cooperatives in Bulacan to expand its network of accredited collecting agents, aiming to bring social security services closer to grassroots communities.
Partnership Signing
SSS Acting Executive Vice President Atty. Antonio S. Argabioso signed the accords with the Kapit Bisig sa Pag-Unlad Multipurpose Cooperative (KBSP MPC) and the San Pedro de Alcantara Kilusang Bayan sa Pananalapi at Industriya Multipurpose Cooperative (SPAKBPI MPC) in Bocaue, Bulacan. The agreements authorize the cooperatives to collect SSS contributions and loan amortizations on behalf of members.
Argabioso emphasized the importance of SSS membership, stating: “SSS is a necessity, not an expense. With the aggressiveness of SSS in expanding coverage, no one should be left behind. We view this partnership as the establishment of small but very important SSS offices within the communities. These cooperatives are not just agents—they are our partners in bringing social security services closer to our members.”
Benefits for Members
SPAKBPI’s approximately 6,700 members and KBSP MPC’s about 2,000 members will now have easier access to SSS services. Argabioso noted that maintaining membership and up-to-date contributions enables members to qualify for various benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death and funeral benefits, as well as salary and emergency loans.
Under the agreement, the accredited cooperatives are authorized to collect SSS contributions and loan amortization payments from their members, provided that a Payment Reference Number (PRN) has been generated for the transactions. They can also assist members with SSS membership registration, creation of My.SSS accounts, enrollment of disbursement accounts, and online applications for benefits and loan programs.
Expanding Coverage
The accreditation of KBSP MPC and SPAKBPI MPC as SSS Collecting Agents is part of the agency’s intensified campaign to expand social security coverage among self-employed workers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), voluntary members, and individuals in the informal sector. This initiative aims to ensure that more Filipinos have access to social security protection.
Also present during the signing were SSS Acting Senior Vice President for Account Management Group Renato Jacinto S. Cuisia, Acting Senior Vice President for Luzon Operations Group Vilma P. Agapito, Vice President for Luzon Central 2 Division Gloria Corazon M. Andrada, and other SSS and cooperative officials.
