DAVAO CITY — The Social Security System (SSS) has entered into an agreement with the Baguio City local government unit (LGU) to extend social security coverage to Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers.
Witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were SSS Senior Vice President for Luzon Operations Group Antonio S. Argabioso, SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas, Baguio City Accountant Fredda Jimenez, and Baguio City Assistant Human Resource Management Officer Edith Dawaten.
SSS Vice President Macasaet highlighted that the agency aims to provide social security protection to government workers not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), specifically targeting JO and COS workers.
Under the new agreement, these workers will gain access to SSS coverage by registering as self-employed members.
Macasaet explained that, as SSS members, JO and COS workers will be entitled to various benefits during contingencies, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral, and death benefits. They will also qualify for SSS loan programs such as salary and calamity loans.
Additionally, he noted that members would receive extra benefits from the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program for work-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths.
Macasaet encouraged the workers to enroll in the voluntary MySSS Pension Booster to enhance their retirement savings.
The Baguio City LGU will facilitate the collection of monthly SSS contributions from JO and COS workers through a salary deduction scheme, remitting the collected amounts to the SSS Baguio Branch. The monthly contribution amount will be based on each worker’s corresponding Monthly Salary Credit, which determines their contributions and benefits.
Currently, the minimum monthly contribution is P570, while the maximum is P4,230, encompassing contributions to SSS, EC, and the Mandatory MySSS Pension Booster.
