Customer Care Assistants (CCA) are among the newest groups of workers to gain coverage under the e-AlkanSSSya Program of the Social Security System (SSS). In a historic ceremony held at the Rogues Sports Bar at Makati Avenue, Makati City last July 28, 2014, SSS representatives, led by Makati-Gil Puyat Branch Head Ma. Rita Aguja, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Ms. Marilyn Campbell, a talent manager representing CCAs working in the various bars and nightspots in the P. Burgos area of Makati City.
Formerly disorganized and tagged as “night workers”, these CCAs are now officially registered as SSS Self-Employed Members under the category of entertainers. Their monthly SSS contributions are paid through their talent manager who deducts a minimal amount from the nightly tips they earn from their customers, and then remits the required monthly amount to the Bayad Center with the assistance of a dedicated SSS account officer.
“These CCAs work in an uncertain environment wherein they can face physical vulnerabilities. Through their active SSS membership, they can avail themselves of social security protection in times of need, as well as prepare for their financial needs in the future,” Ms. Aguja said.
She also praised the progressive and caring attitude of Ms. Campbell who encourages other CCAs to register under the e-AlkanSSSya Program.
The CCAs, on their part, warmly welcomed the e-Alkanssya Program as evidenced by the initial collection of P65,835 from 73 registered CCAs in June 2014. By July, this amount had risen to P72,215 from the contributions of 93 CCAs.
Photo above at left shows Ms. Campbell (center) flanked by AlkanSSSya Program Director Amalia Tolentino (left) and Ms. Aguja (right) holding the signed MOA. Photo at right shows a pole dancer providing some entertainment during the MOA-signing ceremony, which was witnessed by some 70 CCA’s. Makati Gil Puyat Branch is under the jurisdiction of NCR South Divison headed by AVP Ma. Lourdes T. Flores and Senior Vice President for NCR Operations, Jose B. Bautista.
