SSS Baguio, TESDA-CAR strengthen social security protection for Job Order and Contract of Service workers

Social Security System (SSS) Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Normita Cruz (right) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority–Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) Regional Director Engr. Glenn N. Murphy (left) entered into Memorandum of Agreement for the SSS coverage and protection of TESDA’s 60 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers. Also present during the ceremonial signing are (from left) TESDA CAR Administrative Officer V/Cashier Eldrichson Dunuan, TESDA CAR Administrative Officer V/HR Brenda Hiano, SSS Baguio Assistant Branch Head Rosalie Ma. Rachel Castaneto and SSS Baguio Branch Head Nancy Umoso.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Baguio Branch and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority–Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) formally sealed their partnership for the social security coverage and protection of 60 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers under the KaSSSangga Collect Program.

Under the agreement, TESDA-CAR shall facilitate the JO and COS workers’ SSS member registration and contribution remittance, making it easier for them to qualify and avail of SSS benefits.

“Through this collaboration, JO and COS workers, who are often excluded from traditional employment benefits, can now enjoy social security protection such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral and death benefits. They, too, can enjoy various loan programs like Salary Loan, Calamity Loan, and Emergency Loan,” SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Normita Cruz said.

Cruz also encouraged TESDA employees who previously worked in the private sector to continue their SSS contributions as voluntary members. “They may qualify for retirement benefits from both SSS and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), allowing them to receive two pensions upon retirement,” Cruz added.