SSS brings Global Kabayan Day to Filipinos in Hong Kong

QUEZON CITY — The Philippine Social Security System (SSS) brought its annual programs for overseas Filipinos to Hong Kong from Sept. 12 to 14, holding its 2026 Global Kabayan Day alongside activities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), pensioners and Filipino community groups.

The three-day event at the Department of Migrant Workers-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-OWWA) OFW Global Center was part of SSS’ 69th anniversary celebrations, the agency said.

The event, held under the theme “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado,” or “Everyone Protected, Every Tomorrow Assured,” provided information on SSS programs and services and onsite assistance for members, according to the agency.

It was supported by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, other Philippine government offices, Filipino community organizations and SSS partner institutions, SSS said.

The event opened on Sept. 12 with a town hall meeting attended by Filipino community leaders and media representatives. SSS officials presented updates on its programs and services and responded to questions from participants.

Vice President for Asia, Americas and Pacific Operations Division Atty. Paul Erik D. Manalo, speaking on behalf of SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro, gave an overview of services, while Vice President for Member Relations and Support Division Atty. Marissa C. Mapalo discussed recent programs, the agency said.

“Our OFWs continue to contribute to their families, communities, and the country, even while working far from home. As their social security institution, SSS must also be there for them wherever they are,” Manalo said, according to a press release issued by the agency.

“We want our members abroad to know that their SSS remains accessible to them. Through activities like the Global Kabayan Day, we are able to bring our services closer, provide timely information, and listen directly to their concerns,” he added.

SSS also provided onsite assistance for applications for the MySSS Card, with its foreign representatives helping members through the process.

The Philippine Statistics Authority assisted with National ID registration and verification, which SSS described as a key step in securing a MySSS Card.

SSS said participating financial institutions, including Asia United Bank and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., also provided assistance.

The main Global Kabayan Day program on Sept. 13 featured testimonials and recognition activities for OFWs and SSS pensioners.

About 30 SSS pensioners residing in Hong Kong were recognized for their years of membership and contributions, according to SSS.

Some pensioners also shared their experiences during the event.

SSS also signed memoranda of understanding with Global Alliance Hong Kong and Diwa’t Kabayan Society, aimed at strengthening its ties with Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong, the agency said.

On Sept. 14, onsite assistance continued for MySSS Card applications and other SSS-related concerns.

SSS said the 2026 Global Kabayan Day was the first time its annual OFW Day and Pensioners’ Day activities were combined in an overseas setting.

Hong Kong and Barcelona were identified by the agency as the inaugural international venues for the initiative.