The Social Security System honored Sept. 21 individuals, organizations, and companies, that help strengthen its programs and make social protection more accessible to members, both locally and abroad.
The 2026 Balikat ng Bayan Awards is anchored on the SSS’ 69th anniversary theme, “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado”, and recognized partners across the country for helping advance SSS’ promise of protection and security for every member.
By honoring partners, including the Negros NOW Daily (NND), that help extend the reach, efficiency, and credibility of SSS operations, the awards embody the anniversary theme’s twin goals – ensuring that every member is protected today and that the system remains secure and sustainable for the future, it added.
SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph de Claro, who handed over the plaques to the awardees, together with other top officials in the ceremony at the SSS Building in Quezon City, said the strength of social security does not rest on SSS alone.
“It depends on the commitment of everyone who helps to make it work. We recognize employers and companies that uphold their responsibility under the Social Security Law and, in doing so, help extend social protection to their workers and their families,” he added in his message.
“We also recognize our partners in government, and in the private sector, whose cooperation allows us to reach more Filipinos, improve our services, strengthen our programs, and make social protection more accessible,” de Claro said.
The awardees include the Golden Arches Development Corporation for large accounts, and Lachi’s Dessert Bakery Inc., branch accounts, as top employers; Union Bank of the Philippines (universal/commercial bank), Rang-ay Bank Inc. (thrift/rural bank), CIS Bayad Center Inc. (non-bank), and Ventaja International Corporation (overseas partner), as best collection partners.
Best disbursement partners are BDO Unibank Inc. (universal/commercial bank), Philippine Savings Bank (thrift bank), BDO Network Bank Inc. (rural bank), Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s Diskartech (digital bank).
The LGU of Valencia (KaSSSangga collect partner), First Community Cooperative (best cooperative partner), and Community Saving and Credit Association Farmers (best AlkanSSSya program partner), were awarded as best accredited partner-agents.
Aside from the NND, other best media partner awardees are the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Laguna Courier, DZMM Teleradyo, Care 104.3 DWAY FM, 91.7 Ben FM, the Christian Media Management/Max FM Tacurong, The Manila Times, 104.9 XFM-Santiago, and DYVL Aksyon Radyo Tacloban.
The Development Bank of the Philippines, First Metro Investment Corporation, DoubleDragon Corporation, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Commission on Filipino Overseas also received special citations from the SSS.
“As we move towards our 70th year, we look forward to doing more with you, reaching more workers, serving our members better, and strengthening the social protection that Filipinos can depend on,” de Claro added. ||
