SSS honors top partners in 2026 Balikat ng Bayan Awards

QUEZON CITY — The Social Security System recognized outstanding employers and partners on Sept. 21 for helping the agency provide social security protection to Filipino workers, including those employed locally and overseas, and their beneficiaries.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said this year’s Balikat ng Bayan Awards celebrated the contributions and commitment of employers and partner organizations supporting the SSS’ mission to protect members and help secure their families’ future.

De Claro said SSS honored two top employers, four collection partners, four disbursement partners, three accredited partner agents, seven media organizations, and four media personalities, while giving special citations to six other partners.

“The success of the SSS in protecting the welfare of the Filipino workforce is anchored on its strong ties with employers and partners,” de Claro said.

“Through their continued support, we are able to provide vital social security benefits and services to our members and their beneficiaries.”

De Claro added that the Balikat ng Bayan Awards are SSS’ way of acknowledging the indispensable role of employers and partner organizations in promoting social security protection.

SSS provides social security benefits covering sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and unemployment to qualified members, including private-sector employees, self-employed workers, and overseas Filipino workers.

SSS named Golden Arches Development Corp. and Lachi’s Dessert Bakery Inc. this year’s Top Employer Award winners for the Large Accounts and Branch Accounts categories, respectively.

“The Top Employer winners were chosen based on their compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, such as the online submission of employment reports, correct and up-to-date payment of contributions, proper remittance of member loan payments, and timely filing of sickness and maternity notifications.”

“They are also active participants in SSS digital services, and their human resources personnel are well-versed in SSS and its programs,” de Claro said.

The Best Collection Partner awardees were Union Bank of the Philippines for Universal/Commercial Bank, Rang-ay Bank Inc. for Thrift/Rural Bank, CIS Bayad Center Inc. for Non-Bank, and Ventaja International Corp. for Overseas Partner.

De Claro said the banks and payment channels topped their respective categories for implementing efficient collection schemes for contributions and salary loan payments.

For the Best Disbursement Partner awards, BDO Unibank Inc. was named Best Universal/Commercial Bank, Philippine Savings Bank was named Best Thrift Bank, BDO Network Bank Inc. was named Best Rural Bank, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.’s DiskarTech was recognized as Best Digital Bank.

De Claro said the banks were recognized for their performance in serving SSS pensioners and members through the timely release of benefits and monthly pensions.

The Best Accredited Partner Agents were the Local Government Unit of Valencia as Best KaSSSangga Collect Partner, First Community Cooperative as Best Cooperative Partner, and Community Saving and Credit Association Farmers as Best AlkanSSSya Program Partner.

The SSS-accredited partner agents were selected for their active participation in programs that helped the pension fund expand coverage and extend services to self-employed workers, land-based OFWs, and voluntary members.

Best Media Partner awards went to seven media organizations and four reporters or anchors.

Philippine Daily Inquirer was named Best Print Media Partner in the National Capital Region, Laguna Courier was named Best Print Media Partner in Luzon, and Negros Now Daily was named Best Print Media Partner in the Visayas.

The Best Broadcast Media Partner winners were DZMM TeleRadyo in the National Capital Region, CARE 104.3 DWAY FM in Luzon, 91.7 Ben FM in the Visayas, and 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City in Mindanao.

Arlie Calalo of The Manila Times was named Best Media Personality in the National Capital Region.

Geronimo Dig of 104.9 XFM Santiago City received the Best Media Personality award in Luzon.

Ionnes Omang of DYVL Aksyon Radyo Tacloban was named Best Media Personality in the Visayas.

Reynaldo Pallorina of 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City was named Best Media Personality in Mindanao.

SSS also gave special citations to Development Bank of the Philippines for Government Securities, First Metro Investment Corp. for Corporate Bonds, Land Bank of the Philippines as Partner in Various SSS Transactions, DoubleDragon Corp. as Contribution Subsidy Provider, the Department of Foreign Affairs as Partner Government Agency, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas as Partner Government Agency.

Established in 1995, the annual SSS Balikat ng Bayan Awards recognize individuals and organizations that help the pension fund deliver services and programs to members in the Philippines and overseas.

The awarding ceremony is among the major activities held as part of the SSS anniversary celebration every September.