(updated 4 April 2012)
SSS collects P2-B OFW contributions, cites coverage initiatives
The Social Security System (SSS) collected a total of P2.17 billion in contributions of overseas Filipino workers last year, which was 17 percent higher than its P1.85 billion OFW collection in 2010, a top official said.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said social security coverage of overseas workers is among the SSS’ top priorities, adding that it plans to reach out to more OFWs through additional foreign offices and expansion of e-payment and online services.
"The SSS posted a double-digit growth in OFW collection for the third straight year. It reflects the growing awareness among overseas workers of the importance of active SSS membership and saving for retirement and other contingencies," he said.
The SSS has over 738,000 OFW members at present, which it aims to expand through tie ups with key agencies handling deployment of migrant workers such as the Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.
"OFWs are usually excluded from social protection programs in their country of employment, even if many of them work in high-risk environments and are considered family breadwinners. This further highlights the value of SSS," de Quiros said.
Among SSS’ programs for OFWs for 2011 is the Member-Get-Member promo, which offers monthly raffle prizes from January to June and a travel package for two in the Grand Draw in September for successful referral of fellow overseas workers to become active members.
"More than 1,900 OFWs so far have registered through SSS branches and foreign offices, as well as via the SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph. One active participant has referred as many as 109 OFWs at present, and we are only in the third month of the promo," he said.
Nine OFWs won P10,000 each during the second monthly draw, which was held at the SSS main office in Quezon City on March 30. The winners for Asia, who are all deployed in Hong Kong, were Maria Riza Santander Wabinga, Salvacion Estaras Espaldon and Arceli Tirol Belen.
The Middle East winners include Pensees Dawny Rodriguez Figueroa and Annie Jean Iran Alcala from Abu Dhabi, and Elizabeth Bucad Fernandez from Bahrain. Amalia Bunag Aquino and Aniana Arellano Dela Rosa, who are both working in London, and Christopher Lechuga Alavado from Rome rounded up the list of winners from Europe.
Wabinga and Figueroa won for the second straight month in their respective regions due to their high number of referrals or "nominees". The next MGM monthly raffle draw will be on April 30.
The SSS is also working on bilateral social security agreements between the Philippines and the countries of Australia, China, Cyprus, Germany and Sweden. It wrapped up negotiations with Denmark and Portugal in 2011 and is preparing for initial talks with Japan this year.
SSS unveils winners of OFW raffle
Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. (3rd from left) drew a winning raffle entry during the 2nd monthly draw of the SSS "Member-Get-Member" (MGM) promo at the SSS main office in Quezon City on March 30.
Overseas Filipino workers can register for the promo until June 30 at SSS branches and foreign offices or online at www.sss.gov.ph. The winners of P10,000 each were Maria Riza Santander Wabinga, Salvacion Estaras Espaldon and Arceli Tirol Belen (Hong Kong); Pensees Dawny Rodriguez Figueroa and Annie Jean Iran Alcala (Abu Dhabi); Elizabeth Bucad Fernandez (Bahrain); Amalia Bunag Aquino and Aniana Arellano Dela Rosa (London); and Christopher Lechuga Alavado (Rome). Looking on were (from left) Pete Rahon of Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards; Luther Calderon of the Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino; and SSS officials Daniel Edralin, Antonette Fernandez and Judy See.
"By forging bilateral agreements with other nations, we also help overseas Filipinos become entitled to social security benefits comparable to those received by citizens of their host countries," de Quiros said.
(Photo credit and news source - https://www.sss.gov.ph/sss/index2.jsp?secid=2504&cat=6&pg=null )
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The 2nd Monthly Draw for the SSS Member-get-Member OFW Promo was held yesterday 30 March 2012 at SSS Lounge, Quezon City. The the following were drawn winners:
Asia
1) Maria Riza Santander Wabinga
2) Salvacion Estaras Espaldon
3) Arceli Tirol Belen
All Asian winners came from Hongkong and Ms. Wabinga have won in the first draw.
Middle East
1) Pensees Dawny Rodriguez Figueroa -Abu Dhabi, UAE
2) Annie Jean Iran Alcala - Abu Dhabi, UAE
3) Elizabeth Bucad Fernandez - Bahrain
Pensees Dawny Rodriguez Figueroa of Abu Dhabi, UAE is another repeat winners for the 2nd monthly draw.
Europe and the Rest of the World
1) Amalia Bunag Aquino - London, UK
2) Aniana Arellano dela Rosa - London, UK
3) Christopher Lechuga Alavado - Rome, Italy
Repeat winners are nominators who have recruited five or more new SSS members that entitles them of higher chances of winning and possibly getting the special award in the final draw in Septemvber. One of the winners in Asia Ms. Salvacion Estaras Espaldon was interviewed over the phone and it was found out that she only recruited one but was lucky enough to be drawn as winner.
Bilib Kami Sa'yo - SSS theme for their Member-get-Member Promo
Panel of Judges and audience for the 2nd Month Raffle Draw
Hon. Emilio S. De Quiros, Jr., President and CEO of SSS emphasizing the importance of making the lives of OFWs more secured and so they came up with the Member-get-Member promo.
Ms. Judy Frances A. See introducing the Board of Judges
©2012 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards
