Daraga: The Social Security System (SSS) has launched its 2nd e-Wheels Palengke Caravan at the Daraga Public Market in Albay, aiming to bring essential services directly to informal sector workers. This initiative is part of the broader SSS Nationwide Information and Coverage Drive, which focuses on market vendors, street vendors, self-employed individuals, and other workers within the informal sector.
According to Philippines News Agency, the e-Wheels Caravan is designed to eliminate the need for individuals to visit SSS offices by providing on-site services for SSS-related concerns. Jeanette Mapa, the regional communications officer for the SSS Legazpi branch, emphasized that this initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expand SSS membership particularly among informal sector workers and self-employed individuals.
The services offered during the caravan included SSS number issuance, My.SSS registration and account reset, payment reference number generation, applications for salary and pension loans, loan restructuring, disbursement account enrollment, benefit claims, member data changes, and form issuance. Jeff Mondragon, a 22-year-old from Gapo town, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, noting that it allows him to handle transactions despite his busy schedule. He mentioned that the caravan's transactions were noticeably faster compared to the main office, where long lines are common.
Roderick Marbella, a 47-year-old resident of San Roque town, took advantage of the opportunity to update his membership after a nearly decade-long hiatus. Marbella expressed that resuming his contributions provides him with greater assurance for his future, especially upon retirement. Meanwhile, Mecaella Gloria Alcantara, a 21-year-old graduating student from Sipi, highlighted how the accessibility of SSS services within communities simplifies transactions. She noted that it saves time and transportation costs by negating the need to travel to an SSS branch.
Jeanette Mapa urged self-employed workers to utilize SSS services and maintain their membership and contributions. SSS offers members benefits for contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral, subject to meeting applicable eligibility requirements.
