Manila: The Social Security System (SSS) Palengke Caravan on Friday afternoon provided members and prospective members with a convenient venue to transact without visiting a branch office, helping them save time and transportation costs while making public services more accessible. Held at the New Legazpi Public Market in Old Albay District, the caravan brought essential SSS services closer to market vendors, self-employed individuals, workers in the informal sector, and walk-in clients.
According to Philippines News Agency, SSS Legazpi Branch regional communications officer Jeanette Mapa stated that the caravan was simultaneously conducted nationwide, with the Bicol Division holding activities in eight locations. "The primary goal of the Palengke Caravan is to bring our services closer to our members. They no longer have to visit our office because we are the ones reaching out to them, making our services faster and more convenient," Mapa said in an interview.
Mapa added that while the SSS e-Wheels Caravan has been implemented for several years, this year's campaign focuses on public markets to reach vendors, self-employed members, workers in the informal sector, and walk-in clients. During the caravan, clients were able to avail themselves of front-line services, such as SSS number issuance, member data update, verification of records and contributions, PRN generation, loan application assistance, My.SSS registration, and other SSS-related services.
Government employee Ding Aycocho, 65, of Legazpi City, welcomed the initiative, saying it makes it easier for people to become SSS members and process their transactions. "It's a good initiative because SSS is the one reaching out to the people. It makes it easier for us to process what we need compared to going to the branch office. I also resumed paying my SSS contributions while I am still employed," Aycocho said.
Jomar Arganda, 44, a tricycle driver from Barangay Tula-Tula, also encouraged workers who have yet to register with SSS to become members. "I encourage those who are not yet SSS members to apply because it will benefit us in the future. This caravan also helps us save money since SSS is bringing its services directly to us. I will continue paying my SSS contributions," Arganda said.
Meanwhile, Mapa mentioned that the Legazpi event marked the branch's first market-based outreach activity, with succeeding Palengke Caravans scheduled in Daraga in October and Ligao City in November. She said the campaign aims to encourage more Filipinos to become active SSS members and continue paying their contributions to secure future benefits.
"We encourage all Filipino workers to become active SSS members and treat SSS as an investment for a more secure future. Active members may avail of sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral, and death benefits," Mapa said. She added that SSS remains committed to bringing quality public service closer to the people through outreach activities, such as the Palengke Caravan, in line with its mission to extend social security protection to more Filipinos.
