Daraga: More than 800 job order and contract of service workers of the Daraga local government unit are now covered under the Social Security System's (SSS) KaSSSangga Collect Program, an official announced Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jeannette Mapa, SSS-Legazpi Branch spokesperson, said the program allows government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and state universities and colleges to register job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers as self-employed SSS members. "Through a Memorandum of Agreement, government partners deduct SSS contributions from salaries, allowing these non-regular workers to access benefits such as maternity, sickness, disability, retirement, death, funeral, and loans," Mapa said in an interview.

She encouraged other national and local government agencies to enroll their temporary or irregular employees in the program so they can enjoy additional benefits. The SSS Legazpi Branch continues to conduct information seminars on the KaSSSangga Collect Program and deploy SSS on Wheels units to help the public better understand the program and its benefits.

"The program aims to protect the welfare of employees, especially those who are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System," Mapa said. The seminars also feature SSS on Wheels, a mobile service unit that offers registration, loan applications, and member assistance, bringing SSS services closer to employees.

Mapa thanked the LGU of Daraga for its support and cooperation in implementing the program, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in expanding social security coverage for all.