By Roline Cabantoc- BA English Language Studies, University of the Cordilleras   Fifteen employees from the nine branches under the SSS Luzon North 1 Division and attached offices competed to claim as the Best Customer Service, Best Support Service and Best Supervisor, during its annual Search for Best Employees last June 16, 2025 held at SSS Baguio office. This year, TJ Christian Ruiz, Social Security Officer III and Jenny Jane Baybaya, Senior Member Service Representative, both from SSS Baguio emerged as Best Supervisor and Best Customer Service respectively. Lovely Lamorena, Senior Executive Assistant from the Office of the Vice President was declared the Best Support Service Employee. All three winners will advance to Luzon Operations Group Level Search. Concurrent Acting Vice President Nancy M. Umoso commended the Baguio Branch awardees, emphasizing that their success reflects the high standards upheld by the SSS. “This achievement is not only a source of pride for the Baguio Branch but also the entire division. It proves that through innovation, integrity, and dedication, we can elevate public service to greater heights,” she stated. The selection was based on three main criteria: Outstanding Performance and Impact, Exemplary Ethical Behavior, and Personality. The first criterion recognized innovative contributions that improved service delivery, including sustainable practices aligned with the SSS’s goals in governance, social responsibility, and environmental care. The second evaluated each nominee’s adherence to the Code of Conduct under Republic Act No. 6713, as well as the core values of the SSS. The final criterion assessed communication skills, professionalism, flexibility, and interpersonal effectiveness. The Search for Best Employee is part of the annual celebration of SSS Anniversary celebrated during September. For this year, SSS will celebrate its 68th year of founding.    

Camp John Hay, Baguio City—The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and the Philippine Trail Running Association (PhilTRA) have formalized their commitment to advancing trail running in Camp John Hay (CJH) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today, June 18, 2025, at the Bell House, Camp John Hay. President of PhilTRA, Atty. James Roldan was enthusiastic about the partnership and emphasized how it may improve CJH’s standing as the hub for trail running events. “This partnership will position CJH as the trail running capital not only of Baguio but of the entire country. We hope that, in the future, trail running will become an Olympic event, and initiatives like these will help propel the sport to greater heights,” he stated. Meanwhile, JHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Manjit T. Singh Reandi underscored the harmony between sports and environmental conservation, aligning with JHMC’s mission to preserve the camp’s ecological and historical assets. “Through this collaboration, we aim to support elite athletes while inspiring the next generation to engage in environmental advocacy through sports,” Singh Reandi remarked. The partnership will enhance trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability, with initiatives such as “Batang PHILTRA” consistent with JHMC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. The MOU signing was witnessed by Christine Ferrer, PhilTRA Vice President, and Jane Theresa G. Tabalingcos, JHMC Vice President and COO.