QUEZON CITY, 21 September 2026 – The Social Security System (SSS) yesterday recognized outstanding employers and partners that have helped the agency provide social security protection to Filipino workers, whether locally employed or overseas, and their beneficiaries, during an awarding ceremony held at the SSS corporate office in Quezon City.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said this year’s Balikat ng Bayan Awards celebrated the exemplary contributions and steadfast commitment of employers and partner organizations in supporting SSS mission to ensure that every member is protected today and every family’s future is secured.
De Claro said SSS paid tribute to two top employers, four collection partners, four disbursement partners, three accredited partner agents, and 11 media organizations, while giving special citations to six other partners during the ceremony.
“The success of the SSS in protecting the welfare of the Filipino workforce is anchored on its strong ties with employers and partners,” de Claro said. “Through their continued support, we are able to provide vital social security benefits and services to our members and their beneficiaries.”
He added that the Balikat ng Bayan Awards is SSS way of acknowledging their indispensable role in promoting social security protection for all.
SSS named Golden Arches Development Corporation and Lachi’s Dessert Bakery, Inc. as this year’s Top Employer Award winners for the Large Accounts and Branch Accounts categories, respectively.
“The Top Employer winners were chosen based on their compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, such as the online submission of employment reports, correct and up-to-date payment of contributions, proper remittance of member loan payments, and timely filing of sickness and maternity notifications. They are also active participants in SSS digital services, and their human resources personnel are well-versed in SSS and its programs,” de Claro said.
Meanwhile, the Best Collection Partner awardees are Union Bank of the Philippines (Universal/Commercial Bank), Rang-ay Bank, Inc. (Thrift/Rural Bank), CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Non-Bank), and Ventaja International Corporation (Overseas Partner).
De Claro explained that these banks and payment channels topped their respective categories for implementing efficient collection schemes for contributions and salary loan payments.
For Best Disbursement Partners, BDO Unibank, Inc. was named Best Universal/Commercial Bank, Philippine Savings Bank earned Best Thrift Bank, BDO Network Bank, Inc. received Best Rural Bank, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s DiskarTech was recognized as Best Digital Bank.
De Claro said these banks were recognized based on their performance in serving SSS pensioners and members through the timely release of benefits and monthly pensions.
The Best Accredited Partner Agents are the Local Government Unit of Valencia as Best KaSSSangga Collect Partner, First Community Cooperative as Best Cooperative Partner, and Community Saving and Credit Association Farmers as Best AlkanSSSya Program Partner.
These SSS-accredited partner agents were selected for their active participation in SSS programs that helped the pension fund expand its coverage and extend services to workers such as the self-employed, land-based OFWs, and voluntary members.
Best Media Partner awards were given to seven media organizations and four reporters/anchors. Philippine Daily Inquirer was named Best Print Media Partner – NCR, Laguna Courier as Best Print Media Partner – Luzon, and Negros Now Daily as Best Print Media Partner – Visayas.
The Best Broadcast Media Partner winners are DZMM TeleRadyo in NCR, CARE 104.3 DWAY FM in Luzon, 91.7 Ben FM in Visayas, and 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City in Mindanao.
Arlie Calalo of The Manila Times was named Best Media Personality in NCR. Geronimo Dig of 104.9 XFM Santiago City received the Best Media Personality in Luzon. Ionnes Omang of DYVL Aksyon Radyo Tacloban emerged as the Best Media Personality in Visayas, and Reynaldo Pallorina of 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City as the Best Media Personality in Mindanao.
SSS also gave Special Citations to the following for their various contributions to promoting SSS programs and services: Development Bank of the Philippines (Government Securities), First Metro Investments Corporation (Corporate Bonds), Land Bank of the Philippines (Partner in Various SSS Transactions), DoubleDragon Corporation (Contribution Subsidy Provider), Department of Foreign Affairs (Partner Government Agency), and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (Partner Government Agency).
The annual SSS Balikat ng Bayan Awards, established in 1995, acknowledges the valuable contributions of individuals and organizations in helping SSS deliver quality services and programs to its members here and abroad. The awarding ceremony is one of the major highlights of SSS anniversary celebrations every September. #