SSS expands AlkanSSSya program to inmates, drivers

MANILA, Philippines - The Social Security System has expanded its AlkanSSSya program to include jail inmates and tricycle drivers in Southern Mindanao, AlkanSSSya, which derived its concept from a piggy bank, is a large metal safety box with secure individual compartments in which members can put their savings to pay for their monthly SSS contributions.

The money generated will be picked up by an SSS-authorized collector at the end of the month to be credited as their monthly SSS contribution.

Three new AlkanSSSya units have been put up for members of the San Isidro Transport Cooperative (SITRASCO) and Pensionado sa Bahay Bakasyonan (PBB) in Tagum City, and Kahit Preso Pensionado (KPP) in Panabo City.

“The AlkanSSSya was initially conceptualized for tricycle drivers in Las Piñas City, but it has since spread nationwide after it was proven successful in adapting to any informal sector worker regardless of type of industry or location. We are happy that more members, especially in southern Philippines, are beginning to experience the benefits of this micro-savings program,” said Emilio de Quiros Jr., president and chief executive officer of SSS.

According to the SSS, a total of 29 tricycle operators and drivers, including 13 associates who are non-SITRASCO members but wish to be part of the AlkanSSSya, stand to benefit from the program.

KPP and PBB, which are both managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, offer livelihood training to inmates to enable them to become productive members of society and earn income even during imprisonment.

In the pipeline is an AlkanSSSya partnership with the Davao Penal Colony, which houses over 5,000 inmates engaged in various cottage industry activities such as doing beadwork, making bags and rags, and creating ropes out of coco fiber.

The AlkanSSSya program currently has more than 80 partner associations across the country that represent self-employed and informal sector workers ranging from tricycle and trisikad operators and drivers; market vendors; farmers and fisherfolk; garbage pickers; jail inmates; golf course workers and barangay employees and “tanods” from local government units.