• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Social Security System Visayas West 1 Division (SSS VW1D) said Oct. 23 that the establishment of the e-Center sa Barangay in Isabela, Negros Occidental, in partnership with 5th District Rep. Dino Yulo, is worth emulating by other local government units.
Angelo Blancaver, concurrent head of SSS VW1D, who met with Yulo Oct. 22 at the offsite e-Center, said the solon’s partnership with SSS Bago, under branch head Emelia Solinap and AMS head Signe Trigue, “stands as a model for possible collaborations with other districts and local government units across Western Visayas.”
He stressed in a statement that Yulo and his son, Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo, have effectively utilized their offices to establish e-centers so that services are directly delivered to the people of the 5th District.
“We are deeply grateful to congressman Yulo for his unwavering commitment and generosity, not only for providing space for our off-site e-centers, but also for extending transportation and manpower assistance during our mobile services, including the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP),” Blancaver said. “We hope that other government leaders will be inspired by his example – one that uplifts both our agency and, most importantly, the people we serve.”
CJ Gomez of the Congressional Office of Yulo said the e-Center sa Barangay started operating Nov. 18, 2022, with five to 10 clients served every day. He recalled that they started with only a table, and focused on online transactions, issuance of SS number and web registration, and online filing of loans and other benefit applications, among others.
After a year, Gomez recalled that Yulo decided to partner with SSS for the conduct of e-Wheels to reach more residents, especially those who can’t afford the travel expenses, and other vulnerable groups. The first Barangay e-Wheel was held in Guinpana-an, Moises Padilla.
In Feb. 2024, Yulo initiated the house-to-house ACOP so that PWD and bedridden pensioners need not go to the SSS office to file their applications, Gomez said.
Blancaver stressed that “these efforts have been a tremendous help, especially for our elderly members, persons with disabilities, and others, who find it difficult to visit our offices personally.”
He noted that because of Yulo’s initiative and support, other government agencies, such as the PhilHealth, Philippine Statistics Authority, Professional Regulation Commission, and the Department of Foreign Affairs have followed suit, recognizing the success of this partnership.
The e-Center caters to about 500 clients per month, and the personnel assigned, not just for SSS concerns but other government services, are all under the congressional office. | CGC
