DAVAO: Nearly 900 Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region (DPWH-11) job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers are now covered under the Social Security System's (SSS) KaSSSangga Collect Program. In an interview on Tuesday, Dennis Calo, the acting communications analyst of SSS-Mindanao South 1 Division, the DPWH-11 JO and COS personnel have been continuously paying their social security contributions since the two agencies struck a partnership in May. He said the contribution amount - from a minimum of PHP570 to a maximum of PHP4,230 - depends on the member's income. 'The KaSSSanga is the collecting agent, and they will determine how often they collect, either weekly, 15/30, or monthly,' Calo said, adding that a member shoulders all contributions since their status is either self-employed or they have no employer-employee relationship. Calo urged other agencies, both private and public, to apply for the program to benefit temporary or irregular employees. SSS vice president for Mindanao South 1 Division Mary Ellen Estoque said SSS and DPWH-11 earlier signed a partnership deal that will provide social security coverage under the KaSSSangga to DPWH regional office workers who are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) due to their employment status. "Under this program, the DPWH shall collect and remit their contributions to the SSS through a salary deduction scheme to ensure active membership of their JO and COS workers and allow them to avail of SSS benefits and loan privileges," Estoque said in a statement. She urged regular employees of the DPWH-11, who were previously SSS members, to continue their SSS membership by paying their contributions as voluntary members. Source: Philippines News Agency