MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has partnered with the Social Security System (SSS) to enhance social protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
In a news release on Wednesday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that many OFWs in various parts of the world remain clueless about the many security programs that they can avail of as SSS members.
He said that the partnership with SSS would help OFWs and their families become better informed about social securities that would be helpful in their eventual reintegration.
“Alam po natin na ang mga OFWs at ang kanilang pamilya ay uhaw sa impormasyon (We know that OFWs and their families longs for more information) on how to make wise decisions for enhanced social protection and financial freedom,” Cacdac said.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the DMW and the SSS on August 27, the two agencies would embark on a massive information drive on social security programs and membership benefits for OFWs and their families.
Cacdac said that the partnership with SSS is an integral part of DMW-led whole-of-government approach for the full-cycle reintegration program for OFWs and their families.
“Through this partnership, OFWs and their families will have enhanced access to social safety nets for retirement, unemployment, and other contingencies,” he said.
Moreover, he added that together with the SSS, and other stakeholders, the DMW will explore the possible development of savings and provident fund programs tailored to the specific needs of OFWs.
SSS President and CEO Rolando Macasaet, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to helping OFWs and their families through its convenient and reliable social security programs.
He also said that SSS is looking forward to welcoming more OFWs as members through its partnership with the DMW.
“Before, the OFW membership in SSS was only 1 million, but now there are 4 to 5 million OFW members, which was made possible through our massive membership campaigns,” Macasaet said. (PNA)
