SSS eyes Cebu vendors, drivers

The Social Security System (SSS) in Central Visayas plans to implement the “AlkanSSSya” micro-savings program in Cebu.

The program, which is being implemented in the National Capital Region and Luzon, is designed to provide social security protection for the informal sector specifically  drivers and  operators as well as workers in the direct selling industry, and market vendors.

SSS Cebu Branch officials, however,  were still talking to local government units (LGUs) in Cebu to launch one this year, said Helen Solito, assistant vice president SSS Central Visayas division.

Solito said they were still even identifying the LGUs to partner with the program.

She said areas initially considered for the program were Lapu-Lapu City or Cebu City where there’s a large number of market vendors and tricycle drivers and operators.

To be able for informal sector workers to register under the program, they would need to have an association and designate a SSS liaison, Solito said.

At least 34 organizations representing 18,600 workers in Luzon and the National Capital Region have availed of the AlkanSSSya program.

According to Emilio de Quiros, SSS president and chief executive officer, the program was designed for the informal sectors – to fit their way of life and to make savings for monthly SSS premiums as affordable as only P10 per day.

Metal safety boxes standing 1.5 meters tall with secure mini-compartments are placed in accessible locations to store AlkanSSSya savings before these are picked up and accounted by an SSS collecting agent every end of the month.

One unit is assigned to every member who can drop in any amount daily until they can reach the required amount of at least P312 per month in order to meet the P3000 monthly salary credit.

“Providing social security protection to those in the informal sector is important to SSS. We have designated lanes in SSS branches for AlkanSSSya participants and closely coordinate with their officers to address their concerns regarding SSS coverage and benefits,” said de Quiros. /Correspondent Joy Cherry Quito