SSS Uses Rural Cooperatives To Reach New Members In Grassroots Communities
SSS Uses Rural Cooperatives To Reach New Members In Grassroots Communities. In a significant move toward inclusive financial protection, the Social Security System (SSS) has forged a partnership with the San Jose Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SJPMPC) to bring social security services closer to grassroots communities. This strategic collaboration aims to empower rural populations by increasing their access to SSS services through cooperatives, ultimately enhancing financial inclusion and security among self-employed and informal sector workers.
Why the SSS Is Collaborating with Rural Cooperatives
The SSS, the government agency responsible for providing social insurance to private-sector employees, self-employed individuals, and voluntary members, recognizes the importance of reaching hard-to-access communities. Many residents in rural areas face barriers such as distance from SSS offices, limited internet connectivity, and lack of awareness about social security benefits.
By partnering with rural cooperatives like SJPMPC, SSS uses rural cooperatives to reach new members in grassroots communities, enabling more Filipinos to enjoy SSS membership and benefits without the burden of traveling long distances.
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The Signing of the MOA
This promising partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on April 28 in Barangay Zarragosa, Matalom, Leyte. Key officials from SSS and SJPMPC attended the event, which marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s outreach strategy.
According to Aida Pada, chairperson of the SJPMPC board, accepting this partnership is both a challenge and an opportunity. “This isn’t going to be easy,” she admitted, “but it’s a vital step to improve cooperative services and attract new members.” She was joined by Anita Maldo, another board member, and Regina Palen, the cooperative’s manager, who all echoed a strong commitment to this initiative.
Benefits for Cooperative Members
The SSS-SJPMPC partnership is designed not only to increase SSS membership but also to streamline member contributions and transactions. Over 2,000 SJPMPC members who previously had no SSS account can now enroll and contribute regularly through the cooperative.
Advantages of This Partnership
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Members no longer need to travel to SSS offices in Maasin City. |
| Cost-saving | Eliminates travel expenses such as fares and meals. |
| Real-time Posting | Contributions and loan payments are recorded instantly. |
| Digital Literacy | Cooperative staff are trained in digital SSS transactions. |
| Expanded Services | Services include membership, loan applications, and retirement claims. |
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Training and Digital Empowerment
One of the standout features of this partnership is the training program provided by SSS personnel from Manila. This initiative is crucial for SJPMPC staff, who will learn how to handle online transactions, including SSS membership registration, premium payments, loan applications, and retirement claims.
The goal is to create a seamless user experience for cooperative members and to foster digital literacy in rural areas. By equipping cooperatives with the necessary skills and tools, SSS ensures that even the most remote communities can participate in the digital economy.
SJPMPC as a Local SSS Extension Office
Montalbo, an SSS official from Maasin City, explained in a press conference that SJPMPC would essentially act as an SSS service extension, offering all major services. Members from Matalom and nearby towns such as Bato and Hilongos can now transact through the cooperative, avoiding long and costly trips to Maasin.
“You no longer need to go to Maasin. You can transact directly with SJPMPC—whether for membership, loan application, or retirement claims,” Montalbo explained.
However, individuals must first become SJPMPC members to access SSS services through the cooperative. This approach not only strengthens the cooperative’s membership base but also promotes a self-reliant, community-driven support system.
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Economic Impact on Cooperatives
The new partnership is also financially beneficial for SJPMPC. As an SSS-accredited collecting agent, the cooperative earns a P6 transaction fee per SSS-related transaction. While modest, this fee provides an additional revenue stream that can help sustain cooperative operations.
| Stakeholder | Benefit |
|---|---|
| SJPMPC | Earns transaction fees and grows membership |
| SSS | Expands coverage without infrastructure investment |
| Community Members | Access affordable and nearby SSS services |
This model is being uniformly implemented nationwide among SSS cooperative partners, opening doors for more rural cooperatives to participate in this impactful program.
A Call for Wider Cooperative Involvement
SSS is actively encouraging other cooperatives to follow SJPMPC example. As Montalbo pointed out, “We are not closing our doors to other cooperatives. If there are more cooperatives willing to partner with us, we welcome them.”
Currently, negotiations are underway with other cooperatives like the Saint Bernard Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and SSS is exploring partnerships in Silago and San Juan. The broader vision is to build a nationwide network of cooperative partners that will help extend SSS coverage to every corner of the country.
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Real-Life Impact
Jerome Nobleza, a resident of Bato, Leyte, shared his enthusiasm for the new partnership. Although he had temporarily stopped paying his SSS contributions due to a record issue, he expressed relief that he could soon transact with SSS services close to home.
“Once my records are corrected, I’ll be happy to process my SSS contributions through SJPMPC. I also plan to become a cooperative member,” Nobleza said.
Stories like Jerome’s demonstrate how this partnership is not just a policy shift—it’s a lifeline for everyday Filipinos looking for convenience, trust, and financial security.
How Other Cooperatives Can Join the Program
SSS is issuing a challenge to other cooperatives to become part of this growing initiative. Any registered cooperative can apply to become an SSS collection and service partner by following these steps:
- Submit a letter of intent to the nearest SSS branch.
- Sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SSS.
- Undergo staff training in handling digital and online transactions.
- Deploy services such as membership registration, contribution collection, and loan processing.
- Start operations as a local SSS extension center.
By becoming a partner, cooperatives can help reduce the gap in social security coverage, especially among informal and self-employed sectors.
Conclusion
The partnership between SSS and SJPMPC highlights how grassroots collaboration can bridge the gap between government services and rural populations. With the digital training, added revenue, and ease of access to social security services, this initiative serves as a model for inclusive and sustainable development.