Victorias City has made history as the first local government unit (LGU) in the country and in the newly created Negros Island Region to fully subsidize the Social Security System (SSS) contributions of its Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS).
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the SSS through its Contribution Subsidy Provider Program (CSPP) at the Victorias City Command and Evacuation Center on Friday, May 2.
SSS Acting Head of the Visayas Operations Group Alberto Montalbo signed the agreement on behalf of SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro.
Under the agreement, the city government will shoulder the monthly SSS contributions of 495 BHWs and 26 BNSs with a minimum salary bracket of P 5,000, ensuring their social security coverage and future financial protection, a press release from the Victorias Public Information Office said.
The CSPP is part of the SSS’s initiative to expand coverage to self-employed, land-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and voluntary members, particularly those in the informal sector, which was implemented through SSC Resolution No. 384-s.2022.
Benitez, in his speech, stressed the city government’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.
Benitez congratulated the BHWs 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 Contribution Subsidy Provider Program 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.
“The City Government of Victorias is the first local government unit nationwide to formally embrace the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program of the SSS”, Montalbo said.
He lauded the tireless service of BHWs and BNs, “often with limited resources but with limitless compassion,” and expressed SSS’s gratitude to Benitez and the City Council for their support.
Benitez awarded certificates to all 458 active Barangay Health Workers in Victorias City, certifying their registration.
Also present during the ceremony were SSS Vice President for Visayas West 1 Division Dr. Lilani Benedian, Acting Branch Head of Victorias Gerard Gonzales, Executive Assistant III Jessica Adap, SP Committee Chair on Public Health Danilo De Asis Jr., Councilor Derek Palanca, and Victorias City department heads.*