Barangay officials in Romblon expressed strong support for the proposal by Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet to include barangay captains and kagawads as members of SSS nationwide.
Emil Gerangue, a barangay kagawad from Poblacion, Ferrol, emphasized that this initiative would greatly benefit both barangay officials and their families. He noted that with his monthly honoraria of only P11,000, saving for the future is difficult, making SSS membership a valuable financial cushion after their terms in office.
“Magiging daan din po ito para maka-ipon kami sa pamamagitan ng buwanang hinuhulog. Sobrang malaking tulong po ito sa lahat ng mga barangay officials lalo pa’t pag natapos na ang aming termino, wala nang natitira sa amin,” Gerangue stated.
Similarly, Barangay Kagawad Marites Gan of Mayha, Odiongan, echoed the same sentiments, highlighting the importance of financial security for local officials. She also pointed out that many barangay officials have limited means to save for retirement.
“Sa pamamagitan ng regular na kontribusyon sa SSS, magkakaroon kami ng katiyakan na may matatanggap kami kahit tapos na ang aming termino. Ito ay makakapagbigay ng peace of mind hindi lang sa amin kundi pati sa aming mga pamilya,” she said.
Macasaet, speaking during the Liga ng mga Barangay’s National Congress on August 13 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, urged barangay officials to secure an SS number and start contributing to avail of social security coverage, including a lifetime monthly pension upon reaching the required number of contributions.
He assured barangay officials that even intermittent contributions would be fine as long as they eventually reach the minimum of 120 contributions, granting them lifelong pension benefits.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who was present at the event, voiced his support for providing SSS membership to barangay officials like Gerangue and Gan at no cost.
He mentioned that the House of Representatives is considering legislation that would mandate local government units (LGUs) to allocate funds for the SSS premium contributions of barangay officials.
“Sa ganitong paraan, hindi na ninyo iisipin ang buwanang hulog sa SSS,” Romualdez stated, addressing the concerns of local leaders about their welfare and the financial security of their families while in public service.
