PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. committed on Friday, September 30, 2022, to support initiatives that will further improve the efficiency and productivity of the Social Security System (SSS), which will subsequently result in the improvement of the welfare of the Filipino people.

Marcos, who led the 65th anniversary of SSS, highlighted the need for a strong, stable and secure SSS for a better and brighter future not only of its members but also for the entire country.

“The SSS’ critical role in strengthening our country’s social protection is more crucial, now more than ever,” he said in his speech.

“With the country recovering from the pandemic, with the country trying to recover from the shocks that are coming from the geopolitical situation around the world, still I am truly excited to see more ways to which the SSS will bring its services closer to its members and make a positive impact in the communities that you serve,” he added.

Marcos commended the SSS programs such as Contribution Subsidy Provider Program, which aids those who are finding it hard to pay their premiums especially during the pandemic; the flexible payment scheme for fishermen and farmers; the Contribution Penalty Condonation Program for business and household employers; and the Consolidated Loan Program with the condonation penalty.

“With programs like these, which are timely, which are sensitive, which are aware of the condition of our employees, that is then the SSS has much reason to celebrate its 65th birthday,” said Marcos.

Marcos commended the people behind the SSS who continuously do their job excellently.

“The job that you are doing is exactly the job that we had asked you to do -- to provide the safety nets, to provide the guarantees for our people, when tragedy strikes, when crisis strikes, and when people are just going about their daily business,” he said.

“Because of you, the SSS is able to carry out its mandate, efficiently, smoothly through the strong partnerships that you have formed with the agency and with your clientele,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)