CURIMAO, Ilocos Norte – The Social Security System (SSS) Laoag Branch conducted a coverage drive, reaching out to 140 rebel returnees to orient them about the importance of maintaining an active SSS membership along with its benefits and loan privileges.

After the discussion, most of the returnees signified their willingness to become an SSS member or continue paying their SSS contributions for their social security protection.

As part of the reintegration process, the government will provide returnees with various employment opportunities and livelihood options, enabling them to sustain their SSS contributions.

Once they fulfill the contribution and other qualifying conditions, returnees can avail of Social Security (SS) benefits like Sickness, Maternity, Disability, Retirement, Death, and Funeral.

They can also avail of loan programs such as salary, calamity and pension loan.

Since they will be covered as Self-Employed members, returnees are also eligible for Employees’ Compensation benefits for work-related contingencies like sickness, injury, or death.

The event was also attended by SSS Luzon North 1 Division vice president Ceasar Saludo and Ilocos Norte Police provincial director Julius Suriben.

The following municipal mayors, namely Edward Quilala of Curimao, Rommel Labasan of Pinili, and Walter Ordanel representing  Mayor Maximo Cajigal of Badoc were also present during the event, and all expressed strong support to SSS’ program to cover their constituents.

Last April, the SSS held a dialogue with Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office to lay-out plans on the implementation of the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program for rebel returnees.

The SSS is currently finalizing the implementing guidelines for this program.