HONG KONG | The Social Security System (SSS) brought its 69th anniversary celebration closer to Filipinos in Hong Kong through the 2026 SSS Global Kabayan Day, a three-day activity that provided overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), pensioners and community members with access to social security information and onsite services from September 12 to 14.
Held at the Department of Migrant Workers-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-OWWA) OFW Global Center, the event featured discussions on SSS programs, an open forum with Filipino community leaders, assistance for MySSS Card applications and recognition of Filipino pensioners.
The activity was conducted with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, other Philippine government offices, Filipino community organizations and SSS partner institutions. Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Consul Von Ryan Ferrera and Labor Attaché Cesar L. Chavez Jr. were among the Philippine officials who supported the event.
The September 12 opening included a town hall meeting where Filipino community leaders and media representatives received updates on SSS services and raised concerns directly with agency officials. SSS Vice President for Asia, Americas and Pacific Operations Division Atty. Paul Erik D. Manalo presented an overview of services on behalf of SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro, while Vice President for Member Relations and Support Division Atty. Marissa C. Mapalo discussed the agency’s latest programs.
The event also brought several government and private-sector services closer to Filipino members. SSS Foreign Representatives assisted OFWs applying for the MySSS Card, while the Philippine Statistics Authority provided National ID registration and verification assistance. Asia United Bank and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation also assisted with MySSS Card applications.
The main program on September 13 recognized around 30 SSS pensioners residing in Hong Kong for their years of membership and contributions. Some pensioners shared their experiences and reflections during the program.
SSS also signed memoranda of understanding with Global Alliance Hong Kong and Diwa’t Kabayan Society, strengthening its working relationships with Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong. On September 14, onsite assistance continued for MySSS Card applications and other SSS concerns.
The Global Kabayan Day was part of the SSS 69th anniversary celebration, which carries the theme “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado.” SSS said the 2026 initiative marked the first time its annual OFW Day and Pensioners’ Day activities were brought together in an overseas setting, with Hong Kong and Barcelona serving as the inaugural international venues.
The initiative reflects the expanding role of SSS in providing social security protection to Filipinos working and living outside the country. Under Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, coverage for OFWs became mandatory. SSS states that both land-based and sea-based OFWs are covered, while Filipino permanent migrants may continue SSS coverage on a voluntary basis.
The SSS was established under the Social Security Act of 1954, implemented on September 1, 1957. Over nearly seven decades, its coverage and benefits have expanded to include protection for workers and their beneficiaries in cases involving sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death and involuntary separation.
As SSS moves toward its 70th year, its foreign operations remain an important channel for extending social security services to Filipino workers and pensioners beyond the Philippines. SSS currently maintains foreign offices and outreach activities to assist members with membership concerns, pensioner requirements and online services.
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.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
