The Social Security System (SSS) signed on October 20, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) formalizing their partnership in ensuring that cooperatives and their members will have access to social security protection through SSS membership.
Under the MOU, the SSS will conduct orientation and awareness campaigns regarding SSS membership and cooperative accreditation in various fora that the CDA may organize; provide cooperatives and its members with information, education, and communication materials about SSS programs, assistance in the registration of their members and remittance of their contributions, as well as access to SSS’ list of benefits and privileges through various e-services; and create, develop, improve, and implement programs and policies for their welfare.
On the other hand, the CDA will assist the SSS in raising awareness about the value of SSS membership for cooperatives and their members by collaborating with the SSS on different venues and opportunities to conduct coverage campaigns, including social security programs as one of the topics during CDA briefings, assemblies, and council meetings, and linking the SSS to various cooperatives nationwide.
Moreover, the agency will also assist the SSS in the formulation of policies to improve access to social security protection for cooperatives and their members.
The MOU signing coincides with the celebration of the National Cooperative Month, as declared under Republic Act No. 11502, which aims to promote the conduct of activities and programs that uplift the principles and values of cooperatives and encourage cooperative movement.