The UPLB Human Resources Development Office (HRDO), in partnership with the Social Security System (SSS), conducted a webinar on January 10, 2025, to orient UPLB staff on SSS benefits and membership information.

Over 180 UPLB faculty members, REPS, administrative staff, and employees under Contract of Service and Job Order arrangements joined the webinar via a virtual conferencing platform.

The session focused on major updates regarding the latest SSS benefits and membership processes, including the SSS Self-Employed Program and UPLB’s assisted remittance process.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor for Administration Rolando T. Bello emphasized the critical role of SSS in providing financial protection to workers and their families in times of need. 

He encouraged the participants to actively engage in the discussion to maximize the opportunities offered by the activity.

“This seminar [will] guide you through all the [SSS] processes, answer your questions, and provide you with the tools needed to ensure that you are well-prepared for a secure future,” said Bello.

Calamba Social Security Officer Michael L. Clarite began the first part of the webinar by providing an overview of SSS membership and its benefits, particularly sickness, maternity, unemployment, disability, retirement, funeral, and death benefits.

He also explained the Employees’ Compensation Program, which sought to provide a package of benefits and services to workers or their dependents in the event of work-related sickness or injury leading to disability or death. 

He wrapped up his discussion by presenting the updated contribution table for self-employed members and outlining the available short-term loan options, including salary, calamity, educational, and pension loans.

In the second part of the webinar, Caroline C. Masa, senior analyst of the Accounts Management Section of the SSS Calamba Branch, demonstrated the step-by-step navigation through the SSS Member Portal following the presentation of the pension booster and other SSS matters and reminders.

To conclude the webinar, HRDO Supervising Administrative Officer Ricardo Amiel V. Reveche reiterated that this service is primarily for the benefit of UPLB employees, making their cooperation essential.

“Sana po [kapag] nagbigay po tayo ng pagkakataon na tayo po ay magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng benepisyo–[na] matulungan po kayo ng unibersidad–i-grab po natin ito,” said Reveche.

(We hope that we grab opportunities like this to avail ourselves of benefits with the help of the university.)

Following this, HRDO Director Roderick C. Javar expressed his gratitude to SSS in his closing remarks for dedicating their valuable time and expertise to UPLB, thereby strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.

“Tiwala ako na maraming natutunan ang aming UPLB staff sa webinar na ibinigay ninyo. Naniniwala po ako [na] sa ganitong activities, ito ‘yong mga hakbang tungo sa layunin na mas mapasigla pa nga at mas maging aktibo ang relasyon ng UPLB sa SSS,” said Javar.

(I am confident that the UPLB staff learned a lot from this webinar. I believe that activities like this will help us achieve the goal of invigorating UPLB’s relationship with SSS.)

The HRDO and SSS Calamba Branch are set to facilitate caravans to various UPLB units to assist with registration, information updates, and other related concerns regarding SSS. The schedule of these caravans will be disseminated to UPLB constituents. (Aldea Bernadette O. Monfero)