𝗦𝗦𝗦 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝟭 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

by: Ana Marie F. Demerin

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October 1, 2025

3–4 minutes

𝘚𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘰 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘓𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘢, 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 30, 2025 — Engr. Edwin Igharas, Vice President of the Luzon South 1 Division of the Social Security System (SSS), presented key updates on the agency’s programs and the division’s performance covering Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon during a press briefing held at the SSS San Pablo Branch.

Engr. Igharas highlighted significant service improvements, particularly in September, in celebration of SSS’s anniversary. From January to August 2025, the division recorded nearly ₱6 billion in collections, making it the top-performing division across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The division’s overall collection target for the year is ₱10.1 billion.

On delinquency collections, the division achieved ₱507 million, far exceeding its ₱135 million target. “As you can see, we exceeded our collection targets due to our intensified efforts to pursue delinquent employers,” Igharas stated.

Currently, Luzon South 1 Division serves approximately 1, 598, 000 members. One of its flagship outreach initiatives is E-Wheels, formerly known as SSS on Wheels, which aims to bring SSS services closer to underserved communities. In areas such as Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and parts of Cavite and Quezon, E-Wheels promotes access to online and digital services. To date, 470 E-Wheels activities have been conducted, serving around 50,000 clients.

Engr. Igharas also discussed the RACE (Run After Contribution Evaders) program, which enforces compliance with RA 11199, the Social Security Act of 2018. “Our primary goal is to ensure workers have access to their rightful social security benefits. If employers fail to register them, their rights are denied,” he emphasized. The division targets one RACE activity per branch monthly, and as of 2025, has conducted 142 operations, involving 1,380 employers and affecting nearly 7,900 employees. These efforts have resulted in ₱35 million in collections, with some employers fully settling their obligations and others making partial payments.

He also shared updates on the Pension Reform Program, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to address member requests for increased pension benefits. For the first time in SSS’s 68-year history, a multi-year pension adjustment will be implemented from 2025 to 2027. As of August 31, 2025, all pensioners will receive a base increase over three years. Disability pensioners will receive a 10% annual increase, while survivorship/death benefit pensioners will receive 5% annually.

Enhancements to loan programs were also announced. The Salary Loan interest rate has been reduced from 10% to 8%, and the Calamity Loan from 10% to 7%. However, only members in good standing—those without prior delinquencies or who have not availed of condonation within the past five years are eligible for the lower rates.

Lilian Brucal, Branch Head of San Pablo City, discussed the Pension Loan Program, noting that eligible retirees or surviving spouses must be registered in My.SSS, have an enrolled bank account, and be actively receiving pensions. Those who received an 18-month advance are not eligible until they resume regular monthly pension payments.

Ms. Eleonor Ebreo, Branch Head of Sta. Cruz, introduced the new My.SSS Card, while Ms. Monica Dino, Branch Head from Rosario, Cavite presented updates on the Loan Lite Program.

To conclude the briefing, Engr. Igharas appealed to the media for support in disseminating information about SSS programs and services. “We count on your help to reach more Filipinos and ensure they benefit from the protection and support that SSS provides,” he said.

#Edjun Mariposque

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