Some 73 jeepney drivers and operators in Dagupan City will each receive a P200 subsidy from Colegio de Dagupan (CdD) to pay their Social Security System (SSS) contributions after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement among SSS-Dagupan Branch, Downtown Loop Utility Express (DOLUJEX), Bonuan Binloc Operators/Drivers Association (BINODA) and CdD.
Under the agreement, signed last March 9, 2015, the CdD will shoulder the amount of P200 for every member of the association, while the remaining P130 will be shouldered by the members of DOLUJEX and BINODA.
“We decided to help our operators and drivers in paying their SSS contributions because we know how important contributions are for them to avail of SSS benefits. Also, this is our way of thanking the DOLUJEX and BINODA which have serviced the transportation needs of both our students and faculty,” Dr Arzadon said.
The DOJULEX and BINODA initially forged an agreement with the SSS to become members of the Alkanssya program in March 2014 through the prodding of CdD President Dr Voltaire P Arzadon and the officers of the student council. However, when CdD President Arzadon learned that the members of the associations were having a hard time setting aside money for their SSS contributions, they decided to extend their assistance by subsidizing a portion of the monthly contribution.
“We consider the commitment of Colegio de Dagupan to subsidize part of the SSS contributions of our operators and drivers as a noble act. This will ensure that our operators and drivers will be able to continuously pay their SSS contributions through the Alkanssaya program and be assured of benefits from the SSS in the future,” Dagupan branch head Caesar P Saludo said.
The AlkanSSSya is a micro-savings scheme launched by SSS in 2011 to enable members of organized groups and associations to set aside a part of their daily earnings in coin banks in order to save up for their monthly contributions.
As members of the SSS, the members of DOJULEX and BINODA can avail themselves of the benefits of the SSS such as sickness, disability and retirement; while, their survivors can receive funeral and death benefits. The jeepney drivers and operators can also qualify for salary loans.
