Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the government's commitment to extending social protection and strengthening financial security for Filipinos through the Social Security System (SSS) and other benefit programs during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos announced the administration's efforts to increase SSS membership, particularly focusing on workers in the informal sector and the self-employed. He highlighted the mission to enable more Filipinos to become SSS members, emphasizing its importance for those in non-traditional employment settings.

Since the beginning of Marcos' administration, approximately 44 million Filipinos have been covered by the SSS. This includes over 80,000 drivers, vendors, gig workers, government workers under job order (JO) and contract of service (COS), and other members of the informal sector. The President also mentioned that retired uniformed personnel have received higher benefits, including increased pension and subsistence allowance starting this year.

Marcos reported the implementation of a 10-percent pension increase for SSS pensioners in June, ahead of its originally scheduled rollout in September. Additionally, he noted that JO and COS workers in the government have been granted continued services and additional compensation to assist with contributions to the SSS, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

The President urged Filipinos to maintain their SSS and Pag-IBIG contributions, stressing the importance of securing their future. He encouraged the public to take advantage of the security offered by these programs and ensure their contributions are made consistently and correctly.

Marcos also acknowledged the rise in Filipinos availing themselves of insurance and preneed plans from the private sector, viewing these as beneficial investments for the future.