SSS Laoag extends social security protection to NIA Ilocos Norte’s Job Order, COS workers

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – The Social Security System (SSS) Laoag has partnered with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Ilocos Norte Irrigation Management Office to ensure the social security protection of 118 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers through the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP).

The partnership was formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held last July 28 with SSS represented by SSS Acting Vice President of Luzon North 1 Division Nancy Umoso and SSS Laoag Branch Head Richard Raralio, and NIA Ilocos Norte represented by Division Manager Engr. Joselito A. De Vera, MPA.

Under the KCP, NIA’s JO and COS workers will be registered as SSS Self-Employed members.  NIA shall be responsible for the collection and remittance of monthly contributions to SSS Laoag.

“These workers are not covered under the GSIS Law, so the SSS is stepping in to provide them with the social security protection they deserve,” said Umoso. “Through the KCP, they will have access to a wide range of benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral, as well as loan privileges.” Umoso said.

Umoso added that monthly contributions for Self-Employed members range from ₱760 to ₱5,280, depending on their declared monthly income, inclusive of Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions ranging from P10.00 to P30.00.
The EC Program is an additional benefit for employed and self-employed members for work-related sickness, injury, or death.

She also clarified that government employees who previously worked in the private sector and wish to continue their SSS membership may enroll as voluntary members, although this category excludes EC coverage.

“Regardless of membership category, regular contribution payments secure member’s eligibility to SSS benefits and loan privileges. Aside from that, those enrolled in the SSS Mandatory Provident Fund or MySSS Pension Booster can enjoy their additional savings upon retirement,” Umoso added.

SSS Laoag Branch head Richard Raralio encouraged other government agencies and Local Government Units in Ilocos Norte to enroll their JO and COS workersunder the KaSSSanga Collect Program. “Our branch is ready to assist the interested institutions. Joining KCP is a concrete way of showing appreciation and recognizing the contributions of JOs and COS,” Raralio concluded. ###