Brgy. Bel-Air joins AlkanSSSya Program; social protection for barangay workers now within reach

Photo shows SSS President de Quiros (5th from right) and Brgy. Chairman Lichauco (5th from left) cutting the ceremonial ribbon unveiling the AlkanSSSya unit. Also witnessing the event were (from left): Engr. Fernando Vitug II; Brgy. Councilor Cynthia D. Cervantes; SSS AlkanSSSya Program Director Amalia N. Tolentino; SSS Makati-JP Rizal Branch Head Fernando F. Nicolas; SSS Assistant Vice President for NCR South Division Ma. Lourdes T. Flores; and Brgy. Councilors Noel J. Bautista (at back), Ma. Teresa Colayco; Conchita A. Caluag; and Aileen T. Dionisio. Photos at the right side show barangay workers dropping their first few savings in their respective AlkanSSSya units.

The Social Security System (SSS) continues to expand the reach of its microsavings scheme called “AlkanSSSya” as its Makati-JP Rizal Branch launched the AlkanSSSya Program in Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City on March 13.

Led by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. and Brgy. Bel-Air Chairman Constancia Q. Lichauco, the launch ceremony at the Bel-Air Baranggay Hall saw an initial batch of 130 barangay office staff, tanod, security guards, street sweepers and other community service employees taking the first step into becoming SSS members.

“Barangay workers play important roles in our communities. They ensure the cleanliness, peace and security of our neighborhoods. And in the course of their work, they face various risks to their health and lives. Unfortunately, even if their work is technically government work, they are not covered by the public sector pension system – at least, not yet. Until then, we at SSS are ready to fill in this gap in social protection,” President de Quiros said.

The AlkanSSSya, which derives its concept from a piggy bank, is a large cabinet with about 160 secure individual compartments in which members can put their savings for monthly SSS contributions. Usually made of steel or wood, the AlkanSSSya unit of Brgy. Bel-Air is considered unique, in that it is made entirely out of fiber glass, ensuring the durability of the unit.

“AlkanSSSya members can contribute a minimum of P330 per month, which translates to just about P12 a day,” de Quiros noted. “Their accumulated savings wil be picked up by an SSS collecting agent at the end of every month, making it convenient for them to remit their contributions.”

Officials from other barangays in Makati City, such as Magallanes, San Lorenzo, Dasmarinas, Urdaneta, Forbes Park, Singkamas, Sta. Cruz, San Antonio and Olympia, were also present during the launch ceremony, in which they were enlightened on the AlkanSSSya Program for possible implementation in their respective communities.