Victorias City has made history as the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to fully subsidize the Social Security System (SSS) contributions of its barangay health workers (BHW) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS), during a ceremonial signing held at the Victorias City Command and Evacuation Center on Friday, May 2.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez signed the memorandum of agreement for the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program (CSPP), with SSS acting head of the Visayas Operations Group Alberto Montalbo, signing on behalf of SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph Montes De Claro.
Under the agreement, the city government will shoulder the monthly SSS contributions of 495 BHW and 26 BNS with a minimum salary bracket of P5,000, ensuring their social security coverage and future financial protection.
The CSPP is part of the SSS’s initiative to expand coverage to self-employed, land-based overseas Filipino workers, and voluntary members, particularly those in the informal sector, which was implemented through Social Security Commission Resolution 384-s.2022.
In his message, Benitez emphasized the city’s commitment to valuing and protecting its frontline community workers.
“We honor your valuable service by allowing you long-term security that you all deserve,” he said.
He congratulated the BHW and BNS and encouraged them to continue serving Victoriasanon families for a healthier Victorias City.
Montalbo emphasized the importance of recognizing grassroots healthcare workers.
“We are here today not just to sign the CSPP, but to honor a commitment to recognize, protect, and empower the people who have long been the backbone of health and care in our community,” he said.
He added that the Victorias City government is the first LGU nationwide to formally embrace the CSPP.
Montalbo lauded the tireless service of BHW and BNS “often with limited resources but with limitless compassion” and expressed gratitude to Benitez and the City Council for their support.
The program concluded with the awarding certificates to all 458 active barangay health workers in Victorias City, certifying their registration, a press statement from the City Public Information Office said. ||
