CATARMAN, N. Samar– A significant number of job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office are now covered by the Social Security System (SSS), following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between SSS and DPWH-NSFDEO on May 5, 2025 at DPWH Conference room.
SSS Calbayog Branch Head Atty. Dario C. Tan conducted an orientation for NSFDEO employees prior to MOA signing, where he discussed the overview of the SSS Membership and its benefits.
Under the MOA, the SSS is expected to conduct on-site registration and process the registration forms of the COS/JO personnel; regularly monitor the remittance and posting of monthly contributions of the members; provide free seminars/ information dissemination activities on the benefits, loan privileges, and other SSS programs for COS/JO personnel of the district.
Also stipulated in the MOA, that the district shall assist its qualified regular/ permanent employees in continuing the payment of their contributions as voluntary members based on their preferred contribution.
District Engineer Alvin Ignacio, an SSS member, urged employees—particularly those not enrolled in GSIS—to take advantage of SSS benefits. He emphasized the importance of financial protection during times of illness, maternity, retirement, disability, and in the event of death.
“I hope to see more of our workforce taking advantage of the opportunities provided by SSS. All its programs-from maternity and sickness benefits to retirement and loan services-offer a meaningful support to our workers.” DE Ignacio stated.
In an interview, Rosemarie, a job order employee who availed maternity benefits from SSS, shared how much the assistance meant to her.
“Dako an bulig saak sa SSS san nanganak ak, dire ko na need mangutang sa gawas para la magamit ko sa hospital kay naka-avail ak sa kanan maternity sa SSS. So, dako gud nga bulig.” Rosemarie further stated.
District Engineer Ignacio assured that enrolling in the Social Security System (SSS) will be well worth it for job order (JO) workers, contract of service (COS) personnel, and even permanent employees, citing the valuable and comprehensive benefits the program provides.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
