SSS brings services closer to informal workers through Palengke Caravan

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Social Security System (SSS) has launched its Palengke Caravan in the Bicol Region to bring its services closer to market vendors, self-employed individuals, workers in the informal sector, and walk-in clients.

Jeanette Mapa, SSS regional spokesperson, said the caravan was launched Wednesday at the New Legazpi Public Market in the Old Albay District, offering a convenient way for members and prospective members to access various SSS services without visiting a branch office.

“The Palengke Caravan provides a convenient venue for members and prospective members to transact with the SSS, helping them save time and transportation costs while ensuring faster and more accessible public service,” Mapa said.

During the caravan, clients were able to avail themselves of frontline services such as SSS number issuance, member data updating, verification of records and contributions, Payment Reference Number (PRN) generation, loan application assistance, My.SSS registration, and other membership-related services.

Mapa said the outreach program forms part of the SSS’ continuing effort to expand social security coverage and make its programs and services more accessible, particularly to workers in the informal economy.

She added that the agency remains committed to bringing quality public service closer to the people through outreach activities such as the Palengke Caravan while encouraging more Filipinos to enroll and enjoy the benefits of SSS membership.

Meanwhile, the SSS has begun the early implementation of the second tranche of its Pension Reform Program (PRP), benefiting about 4.1 million pensioners nationwide.

In a statement, the agency said it advanced the implementation of the pension increase from September to June 2026, releasing approximately ₱6 billion in additional pension benefits from June to August to help pensioners cope with inflation and rising energy costs.

Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chair Frederick D. Go said the early rollout aims to provide millions of pensioners and their families with financial relief sooner than originally scheduled.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said pensioners as of May 31, 2026 are eligible to receive the increased pension beginning June 1, 2026, while those whose pension contingencies fall between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026 will receive the increase starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Under the second tranche of the PRP, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10-percent increase in their monthly pensions, while death and survivor pensioners will receive a 5-percent increase.

De Claro said the pension reform is intended to help Filipino pensioners cope with rising living costs while ensuring they receive timely and reliable financial support.

The PRP is the first multi-year pension increase program in SSS history, providing annual pension adjustments every September from 2025 to 2027.

SSS PALENGKE CARAVAN. The Social Security System launches its Palengke Caravan at the New Legazpi Public Market in the Old Albay District, Legazpi City, bringing essential services closer to market vendors, self-employed individuals, workers in the informal sector, and walk-in clients. SSS regional spokesperson Jeanette Mapa said the outreach program aims to make the agency’s services more accessible while encouraging more Filipinos to become SSS members. (Photo courtesy of SSS) Photo courtesy by Jeanette Mapa, SSS public information officer