QUEZON CITY, Philippines | The Social Security System (SSS) recognized outstanding employers, financial institutions, partner agents and media organizations for their contributions to expanding social security protection for Filipino workers and their beneficiaries during the 2026 Balikat ng Bayan Awards held at the SSS corporate office in Quezon City.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the annual awards honored organizations and individuals whose continued support has helped the pension fund deliver benefits and services to members in the Philippines and overseas.
“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.”
According to SSS, this year’s awards recognized two top employers, four collection partners, four disbursement partners, three accredited partner agents and 11 media organizations. Six other organizations also received special citations for their contributions to SSS programs and services.
The 2026 awards formed part of the SSS 69th anniversary activities. The pension fund had earlier identified the Balikat ng Bayan Awards as one of the major highlights of its September anniversary celebrations.
Golden Arches Development Corporation and Lachi’s Dessert Bakery, Inc. were named Top Employer awardees in the Large Accounts and Branch Accounts categories, respectively.
De Claro said the Top Employer awardees were selected based on their compliance with Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018. Among the criteria were the online submission of employment reports, accurate and updated contribution payments, proper remittance of member loan payments, and timely filing of sickness and maternity notifications.
SSS also considered the employers’ participation in its digital services and the knowledge of their human resources personnel regarding SSS programs.
The recognition comes as employers continue to play a central role in the administration of the country’s compulsory social security system. Under RA 11199, employers are required to register with SSS, report their employees for coverage, deduct and remit employee contributions together with the employer share, and maintain accurate employment and payroll records.
For collection services, Union Bank of the Philippines was named Best Collection Partner in the Universal/Commercial Bank category, while Rang-ay Bank, Inc. won in the Thrift/Rural Bank category. CIS Bayad Center, Inc. was recognized as the Best Non-Bank Collection Partner, while Ventaja International Corporation received the award for Overseas Partner.
SSS said the collection partners were recognized for implementing efficient payment channels and schemes for member contributions and salary loan payments.
In the disbursement category, BDO Unibank, Inc. was named Best Universal/Commercial Bank, Philippine Savings Bank was recognized as Best Thrift Bank, BDO Network Bank, Inc. won as Best Rural Bank, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s DiskarTech was named Best Digital Bank.
De Claro said the awardees were selected based on their performance in serving SSS members and pensioners, particularly in the timely release of benefits and monthly pensions.
SSS has continued to expand digital and bank-based payment and disbursement arrangements as part of its efforts to make transactions more accessible to members. The agency said its current systems support electronic contribution collection and the use of accredited banks and non-bank facilities for payments.
Three organizations were also recognized as Best Accredited Partner Agents. The Local Government Unit of Valencia was named Best KaSSSangga Collect Partner, First Community Cooperative was recognized as Best Cooperative Partner, and Community Saving and Credit Association Farmers received the Best AlkanSSSya Program Partner award.
SSS said the partner agents were selected for their active participation in programs that help extend social security coverage and services to self-employed workers, land-based overseas Filipino workers and voluntary members.
The awards also recognized media organizations and individual journalists for their role in disseminating information about SSS programs and services.
Philippine Daily Inquirer was named Best Print Media Partner for the National Capital Region, Laguna Courier for Luzon, and Negros Now Daily for the Visayas.
For broadcast media, DZMM TeleRadyo received the NCR award, CARE 104.3 DWAY FM was recognized for Luzon, 91.7 Ben FM for the Visayas, and 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City for Mindanao.
Four journalists and broadcasters were also honored as Best Media Personalities in their respective regions. Arlie Calalo of The Manila Times received the NCR award, Geronimo Dig of 104.9 XFM Santiago City was recognized for Luzon, Ionnes Omang of DYVL Aksyon Radyo Tacloban for the Visayas, and Reynaldo Pallorina of 91.1 Max FM Tacurong City for Mindanao.
Special citations went to the Development Bank of the Philippines for Government Securities, First Metro Investments Corporation for Corporate Bonds, Land Bank of the Philippines as Partner in Various SSS Transactions, DoubleDragon Corporation as Contribution Subsidy Provider, the Department of Foreign Affairs as Partner Government Agency, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas as Partner Government Agency.
The Balikat ng Bayan Awards was established in 1995 to recognize individuals, employers and organizations that contribute to the SSS mandate and help the agency deliver social security programs and services. The awards have since become a regular part of the SSS anniversary activities.
The SSS marked its 69th anniversary this September under the theme “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado,” highlighting the agency’s continuing efforts to strengthen social security protection, expand access and improve service delivery for Filipino workers and their families.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
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