Naga farmers, employees now AlkanSSSya members

MORE than 300 farmers and employees can now enjoy the lifetime benefits of the Social Security System (SSS) through its AlkanSSSya program, a micro-savings scheme aimed at providing social security protection for informal sector workers nationwide. The 320 Naga farmers and City employees, mostly rank-and-file workers, comprised the first batch of AlkanSSSya members following the programs formal launching Thursday (June 20, 2013) at City Hall Building. The launching began with a formal program at Multi-purpose Hall A past 10 a.m. followed by the traditional cutting of ribbon, turning over of keys and a custom-made AlkanSSSya cabinet, containing 160 compartmentalized coin boxes. Marcelo Ricarte of Ricarte Security Services Agency sponsored the cabinet-like AlkanSSSya unit. AlkanSSSya members are required to deposit at least P10 per day in their individual coin boxes for them to save the mandated P312 minimum monthly contribution. In turn, the SSS will account and collect the accumulated AlkanSSSya savings every end of the month using the appropriate SSS Forms. Any excess of the required P312 monthly contribution will be returned to the concerned members. Atty. Kristine Vanessa T. Chiong, City Hall executive assistant, called on all the new AlkanSSSya members to vigorously sustain the micro savings program by dropping at least P10 per day in the coin boxes instead of buying cigarette sticks. Chiong, who represented Mayor Valdemar M. Chiong, considered the AlkanSSSya members lucky because they do not have to accomplish any forms or visit the SSS office in Cebu City to pay for their monthly contribution. May Catherine C. Ciriaco, SSS vice president for management services and planning division, said all the new AlkanSSSya members will get similar benefits provided for by SSS to its regular members. Ciriaco said the new members can avail, among others the retirement, maternity, death and funeral benefits as well as sickness and disability claims. Other officials who graced the affair were Helen C. Solito, SSS assistant VP Central Visayas division; Mario V. Corro, SSS Cebu City branch head; Ronald C. Paras of DA and Teresita L. Largo, president Jaguimit Farmers Association. gc