Social Security System (SSS) Pays Tribute to President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet’s Legacy of Service
Social Security System (SSS) Pays Tribute to President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet’s Legacy of Service. The Social Security System (SSS) recently announced the departure of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, who officially stepped down on October 6. Macasaet, who began his tenure in January 2023, leaves behind a transformative legacy that will shape SSS’s future trajectory.
During his nearly two-year term, Macasaet championed the expansion of social security services to every Filipino, including individuals in underserved and remote areas. His leadership has set new benchmarks for accessibility, membership growth, and service innovation for SSS.
Expanding Social Security Coverage and Access for Filipinos
One of Macasaet’s most notable achievements is the dramatic increase in SSS membership. By prioritizing outreach to areas with low coverage rates, he led SSS to record an unprecedented 3 million new members from January to September 2024.
This growth surpassed all previous membership drives, more than doubling the new memberships recorded in the same period last year. Through these efforts, Macasaet reinforced SSS’s commitment to its mission of ensuring that social security benefits are accessible to all Filipinos.
Keyword Table:
Keyword Description Social Security System (SSS) Government institution offering social security and retirement benefits in the Philippines. Rolando Ledesma Macasaet Former President and CEO of SSS, known for his initiatives in expanding coverage and improving services. SSS membership A system that enables Filipinos to access social security benefits. social security benefits Programs providing financial support for retirement, disability, and more for qualified members.
Macasaet expressed optimism that SSS will close the year with four to five million new members, indicating the success of SSS’s intensified outreach strategies. This historic increase is expected to contribute substantially to SSS’s financial sustainability and ability to serve future generations.
Inclusive Coverage for Government Workers: The KaSSSangga Collect Program
Understanding the importance of inclusivity, Macasaet spearheaded the KaSSSangga Collect Program to ensure that government workers who fall outside of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) can access social security benefits. This initiative particularly benefits job order (JO) workers, contract of service (COS) workers, and barangay workers.
As of August 2024, more than half a million government workers have been successfully enrolled under the KaSSSangga Collect Program. The program’s effectiveness is demonstrated by over 3,300 partner agencies that have joined, providing social security benefits to non-GSIS-covered workers in local government units, national government agencies, state universities, colleges, and water districts.
Innovation in Service Delivery: SSS eWheels and SSS E-Center sa Barangay
To improve service accessibility in remote areas, Macasaet launched two programs that exemplify SSS’s commitment to reaching underserved communities:
- SSS eWheels: This mobile initiative brings SSS services to barangays through fully equipped vehicles staffed by branch personnel, enabling residents to access SSS without traveling to a branch.
- SSS E-Center sa Barangay: In partnership with local government units, this program establishes community-operated centers in barangays, allowing residents to access the My.SSS portal with assistance from trained barangay personnel.
These initiatives bring SSS’s services closer to community members, simplifying access to social security information and encouraging Filipinos in rural areas to secure their futures.
Launch of MySSS Pension Booster to Strengthen Retirement Security
A highlight of Macasaet’s tenure was the rebranding and enhancement of the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP) into MySSS Pension Booster. This initiative provides an additional savings mechanism for SSS members, offering a targeted annual return rate of up to 7.2%. Members have the flexibility to receive their accumulated savings as either a lump sum or a monthly pension, supplementing their Regular SSS Program retirement benefits.
Macasaet advocated for the importance of early retirement planning, urging members to start saving from the onset of their careers. He underscored how financial preparedness for retirement can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life in later years.
Improving Member Accessibility: SSS Branches in Malls Nationwide
Macasaet also prioritized making SSS services more accessible to the public by relocating branch offices to malls. This strategic decision has allowed SSS to save approximately P1 billion in operational costs, as mall owners offer rent-free spaces for five years. Additionally, mall operators shoulder renovation and fit-out expenses, further lowering costs for SSS.
The relocation of branches to malls ensures that members and employers have convenient access to SSS services in high-traffic areas.
SSS Brand and Website Overhaul for a Better Member Experience
On the occasion of SSS’s 67th anniversary, Macasaet initiated a brand refresh and website overhaul to modernize the organization’s identity and service offerings. The new website boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation for members and employers alike, reflecting SSS’s commitment to continuously improving the user experience.
This redesign also aims to appeal to a younger, tech-savvy demographic, promoting SSS as a modern, accessible, and reliable institution.
Commitment to Stakeholder Engagement through the Stakeholders’ Forum
Throughout his time at SSS, Macasaet valued the feedback of members, employers, and other stakeholders. He instituted the Stakeholders’ Forum, where he could directly engage with and gather insights from those served by SSS. These discussions were instrumental in shaping policies that responded to the evolving needs of SSS members, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collaboration.
