April 25, 2024

The Social Security System signed on Oct. 20 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Cooperative Development Authority formalizing their partnership in ensuring cooperatives and their members will have access to social security protection through SSS membership.

SSS-CDA PARTNERSHIP — Social Security System President and CEO Michael G. Regino (3rd from left) and Cooperative Development Authority Usec. and Chairman Joseph B. Encabo (4th from left), together with SSS Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department Concurrent Acting Head and Professional Sector Department Manager III Carlo C. Villacorta (leftmost), SSS Branch Operations Sector Executive Vice President Voltaire P. Agas (2nd from left), CDA Asec. Myrla B. Paradillo (2nd from right), and CDA Legal Division Chief Jovilyn Gaffud-Marquez (rightmost) presented the signed memorandum of understanding to strengthen social security coverage and protection among members of cooperatives at the Executive Lounge of SSS Building in East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. — SSS handout photo

In the MOU, SSS will conduct orientation and awareness campaigns regarding SSS membership and cooperative accreditation in various fora that the CDA may organize; provide cooperatives and its members with information, education, and communication materials about SSS programs, assistance in the registration of their members and remittance of their contributions, as well as  access to SSS’ list of benefits and privileges through various e-services; and create, develop, improve, and implement programs and policies for their welfare.

On the other hand, the CDA will assist the SSS in raising awareness about the value of SSS membership for cooperatives and their members by collaborating with the SSS on different venues and opportunities to conduct coverage campaigns, including social security programs as one of the topics during CDA briefings, assemblies, and council meetings, and linking the SSS to various cooperatives nationwide.

The agency will also assist the SSS in the formulation of policies to improve access to social security protection for cooperatives and their members.

The MOU signing coincided with the celebration of the National Cooperative Month, as declared under Republic Act 11502, which aims to promote the conduct of activities and programs that uplift the principles and values of cooperatives and encourage cooperative movement. – Press release