Victorias City made history as the first local government unit (LGU) in the country, especially in the newly created Negros Island Region, to fully subsidize the Social Security System (SSS) contributions of its Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs), during a ceremonial signing held at the Victorias City Command and Evacuation Center on May 2.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Social Security System through its Contribution Subsidy Provider Program (CSPP), with SSS Acting Head of the Visayas Operations Group Atty. Alberto Montalbo signing on behalf of SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro.
Under the agreement, the city government will shoulder the monthly SSS contributions of 495 BHWs and 26 BNSs with a minimum salary bracket of P5,000, ensuring their social security coverage and future financial protection.
The CSPP is part of the SSS initiative to expand coverage to self-employed, land-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and voluntary members, particularly those in the informal sector, which was implemented through SSC Resolution No. 384-s.2022.
Also present during the ceremony were SSS Vice President for Visayas West 1 Division Dr. Lilani Benedian, Acting Branch Head of Victorias Gerard Gonzales, Executive Assistant III Jessica Adap, SP Committee Chair on Public Health Danilo De Asis Jr., Councilor Derek Palanca, and various city department heads.
In his message, Mayor Benitez emphasized the city’s commitment to valuing and protecting its frontline community workers, saying, “We honor your valuable service by allowing you long-term security that you all deserve.”
He congratulated the BHWs and BNs and encouraged them to continue serving Victoriasanon families for a healthier Victorias City.
Atty. Montalbo also emphasized the importance of recognizing grassroots healthcare workers saying, “We are here today not just to sign the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program but to honor a commitment to recognize, protect, and empower the people who have long been the backbone of health and care in our community.”
He added that the Victorias City government of Victorias is the first local government unit nationwide to formally embrace the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program of the SSS.
He lauded the tireless service of BHWs and BNs, “often with limited resources but with limitless compassion,” and expressed SSS’s gratitude to Mayor Benitez and the City Council for their support.
The program concluded with awarding certificates to all 458 active Barangay Health Workers in Victorias City, certifying their registration, a press statement from the City Public Information Office said.*
