ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Candon Branch recently recognized two employers in Ilocos Sur for their consistent compliance in remitting the SSS contributions of their employees. The awardees were William Chua Rice Mill and Rural Bank of Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur both cited for their timely and regular remittance of workers’ SSS contributions. SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Normita Cruz said the prompt remittance of contributions ensures that employees remain eligible for various social security benefits and loan privileges under the Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) Programs. “Employers play a vital role in safeguarding the social protection of Filipino workers by ensuring that their contributions are remitted on time and in full. Through initiatives like this, SSS commends responsible employers while encouraging others to uphold the same standard of commitment and accountability,” Cruz said. The William Chua Rice Mill, an SSS-registered business since 1996, employs 33 workers. Meanwhile, the Rural Bank of Sta. Maria, registered with the SSS as early as December 1969, currently employs 29 workers, all of whom are covered under the SSS through their respective employers.

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — In a landmark inter-agency collaboration, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Deed of Usufruct for the establishment of the CSC national training and development center in New Clark City, Tarlac. The signing ceremony, held on 13 April 2026 at the CSC Central Office, was led by Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. Joining them were Commissioner Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pañgulayan and BCDA Legal Services Group Senior Vice President Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera. Under the agreement, BCDA grants the CSC the use of a one-hectare parcel of land in New Clark City for a period of 50 years, with possible extension upon mutual agreement, for the development of a dedicated complex that will serve as a national venue for training, learning, and professional development programs for government officials and employees. The project supports the agenda of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to build a more capable and responsive government. By strengthening the skills and leadership of civil servants, the training hub helps ensure that policies are implemented faster, services are delivered more efficiently, and government programs create real impact in the lives of Filipinos. Chairperson Yap expressed appreciation to BCDA for sharing the Commission’s vision of a civil service that meaningfully responds to the evolving expectations of citizens. “This will not be an ordinary leadership and management development center. It will be grounded in the unique demands of public sector leadership—one that calls for a distinct mindset, skills, and competencies. More importantly, it will be anchored on Filipino values and practices, shaped by our cultural realities and traditions of collaboration, to cultivate public servants who can engage citizens meaningfully and strengthen our collective capacity for inclusive national development,” she said. She added that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, emphasizing the broader transformation it seeks to achieve within the public sector. “May this be the beginning of a long and productive partnership between the CSC and the BCDA. We are hoping to build more than a facility, but a center for cultural reset in public service—a change in mindset focused on strengthening the values propelling the most critical asset of the government: its human infrastructure,” Chairperson Yap said. For his part, BCDA President and CEO Bingcang emphasized that the project contributes to the continued development of New Clark City as a center for public institutions and innovation. “This partnership is about building the people behind the government. When we strengthen the capability of our civil servants, we improve how services are delivered to every Filipino. In New Clark City, we are creating a national hub that helps make that happen,” he said. As part of the agreement, the CSC will prepare and submit a Development Plan within six months upon receipt of the relevant planning documents from BCDA, and develop and construct the facility in accordance with the New Clark City Comprehensive Master Development Plan, Design Standards, and Guidelines. Meanwhile, BCDA shall assist in the conceptualization and preparation of the development plans, layout of the complex, and formulation of the architectural and structural designs, as well as extend assistance in the operation and maintenance of the training complex. The planned CSC Training and Development Center will feature modern and sustainable facilities designed to support learning and collaboration across the public sector, including a plenary hall with a seating capacity of approximately 300 to 500 participants, breakout rooms and training classrooms, a data processing center, and conference and board rooms. It will also be equipped with boarding and lodging facilities for trainees; an executive lounge; a mess hall or dining facility; wellness and gym amenities; and renewable and sustainable design features, including solar power systems. Once completed, the CSC national training and development center is envisioned to become a premier venue for capacity-building programs that will support the continued modernization and professionalization of the Philippine bureaucracy.