SSS, DICT to expand social security coverage for 1.5 million freelancers

The following is a press release from the Social Security System. The Social Security System (SSS) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 21 to expand social security protection for the country’s estimated 1. 5 million freelancers and virtual assistants. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Alfonso A. Limlingan and DICT Secretary Robert Joseph M. de Claro led the signing ceremony at the DICT office in Quezon City. Limlingan said the MOU establishes a strategic partnership to strengthen the online freelancing industry through capability-building, competency development and expanded social security coverage for Filipino freelancers. “A key objective of the MOU is to increase awareness, registration, membership and compliance with Republic Act No.

11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, among freelancers and online workers, ensuring broader access to social security protection,” he said. Limlingan emphasized the importance of extending social security protection to freelancers and virtual assistants, noting that they play an increasingly vital role in the country’s digital economy. “Freelancers and virtual assistants are an important and growing segment of our workforce. By bringing them into the SSS coverage, we ensure that they, too, can access the same protection and benefits enjoyed by other workers—whether in times of sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, or even death,” Limlingan said. He added that the partnership reflects the SSS’ commitment to leave no worker behind. “Our goal is simple: no Filipino worker should be left without social security protection. Through this MOU with DICT, we are taking a significant step toward making social security more…