Residents of Ma-ao and other nearby upland barangays in Bago City no longer need to travel far and spend more to avail of the services of the Social Security System (SSS).
This as the city government of Bago, led by Mayor Marina “Mayette” Javellana-Yao, and the SSS-Bago Branch led the opening Aug. 18 of the SSS E-Center in Barangay Ma-ao, another first in the city.
Javellana-Yao said “this is not just setting up the office, the computer, and the online systems. This is really about bringing the government closer to the people.”
“Our people in Ma-ao and nearby barangays no longer have to travel far, spend more, and wait longer just to avail of the benefits and services that are really rightfully theirs,” she said, adding the E-Center provides Bagonhons access to these benefits and services, all in one place.
Situated at Barangay Ma-ao Auditorium, the E-Center is now providing services, like issuance of SS number, web registration through My.SSS portal, and online filing of benefits, such as sickness, maternity, retirement, funeral, and death.
SSS members can also avail of the online loan filing, Disbursement Account Enrollment Module, and generation of Payment Reference Number.
“This is the kind of public service that we want to uphold sa aton syudad — ang serbisyo nga may tagipusuan, ang serbisyo nga gapamati sa inyo, ang serbisyo nga gaulikid gid sa inyo,” Javellana-Yao told those present at the launching.
She said the city government, in little and big ways, is ensuring that the interest of the people is always at its heart.
“Leadership means really making the lives of our people simpler and better,” the mayor said in a city press release Aug. 19, stressing that this is another step forward for a city that dreams bigger and wants to serve each of its people better.
She stressed that the partnership between the city government and SSS is proof that when the local government converges and works hand in hand with other government agencies, the real winners are the people they serve.
She thanked the SSS for trusting the city government and establishing the first-ever E-Center in Ma-ao.
SSS Visayas West I Division vice president Lilani Benedian said the E-Center in Ma-ao was borne out of their and the mayor’s hearts “that beat to serve”.
“Now, you will be able to avail of your services right here at your doorsteps,” she said, lauding the mayor for conceptualizing and really working with them for the realization of a dream that will also provide social protection to the people.
Benedian stressed that 80 to 85 percent of the SSS services and transactions can be availed and done online. “This an offsite center, everything can already be done here.”
Councilor Ma. Femmy Alvarez-Martir, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Social Services, said this project is a testament to the city’s continuous commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and people-centered services.
“By bringing government services closer to the community, especially to the grassroots level, we are making sure that no one is left behind, and that everyone — whether young or old — can enjoy the fruits of development. This is a step forward in making our local governance more responsive to the needs of the people,” she added.
Also present at the unveiling were Councilor Robert Javellana, SSS Visayas West I Division acting regional communications officer Josefa Pineda, SSS-Bago branch manager Emelia Solinap, SSS-Bago accounts officer Dexter Sombito, Barangay Ma-ao Council representatives, and some residents, among others. ||
