The Social Security System (SSS) announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, stepped down from his position effective October 6, after nearly two years at the helm of the state-run pension fund.
Macasaet, who served as SSS President and CEO since January 5, 2023, was also the Vice Chairperson of the Social Security Commission, the policy-making body of the SSS. During his tenure, he prioritized ensuring that every Filipino has access to a pension.
Under his leadership, SSS intensified its membership drives, extending social security coverage to all Filipinos, including those in remote areas. He launched initiatives to bring services closer to grassroots communities and implemented programs benefiting SSS employees nationwide.
Record-high 3 million new members
One of Macasaet’s key achievements was expanding access to social security protection for more Filipinos through extensive membership drives across the country.
From January to September 2024, SSS recorded a historic high of 3 million new members, more than double the number added during the same period last year.
“SSS typically averages around 1 million new members annually. However, in just the first half of 2024, we have already doubled that number due to our intensified efforts,” Macasaet said.
With this progress, SSS is optimistic about reaching 4 to 5 million new members by the end of the year.
Half a million government workers covered
Macasaet also pushed for SSS coverage for job order (JO), contract of service (COS), and barangay workers who are excluded from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) due to their employment status.
Under his leadership, more than 500,000 JO, COS, and barangay workers in government were granted access to social security benefits through the KaSSSangga Collect Program. This initiative provides essential SSS coverage to workers employed by local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local water districts.
As of August 2024, there were more than 3,300 KaSSSangga Collect partners nationwide.
Bringing SSS services to grassroots communities
Macasaet acknowledged the importance of bringing government services closer to communities through innovative programs like SSS eWheels and SSS E-Center sa Barangay.
SSS eWheels, equipped with laptops and branch personnel, traveled to remote barangays to provide on-site services to members. Meanwhile, the E-Center sa Barangay, in collaboration with LGUs, trained barangay personnel to assist locals in accessing the My.SSS Portal.
These efforts made it easier for more Filipinos to access SSS services and appreciate the value of social security membership.
Rebranded MySSS Pension Booster launched
Macasaet spearheaded the rebranding of the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP) and WISP Plus into the MySSS Pension Booster, a program aimed at helping members enhance their savings and retirement funds.
The MySSS Pension Booster offers a target annual return rate of up to 7.2 percent in 2024. Members can receive their accumulated savings either as a lump sum or monthly pension upon retirement, tax-free, alongside their retirement benefits from the Regular SSS Program.
“Saving for retirement should begin the day you start earning. The best time to start is today, especially while you’re young. When you retire, you’ll realize the immense value of having started early,” Macasaet said.
SSS branch offices relocate to malls
Since taking over as SSS President and CEO, Macasaet advocated for moving SSS branch offices to shopping malls nationwide to improve accessibility for members and employers.
He noted that SSS could save nearly PHP 1 billion in rental costs, as shopping mall owners offer SSS office spaces rent-free for five years. The mall operators also cover renovation fit-out costs, including architectural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing works.
Enhanced SSS website launched
Macasaet underscored his commitment to continuous improvement by launching the revamped SSS website, which features an easy-to-navigate design for members and employers.
He also played a crucial role in the “SSS Brand Refresh,” marking the organization’s 67th anniversary. The rebranding aimed to reflect SSS’s commitment to delivering accessible, reliable, and compassionate support to its members and their families, both in the Philippines and abroad.
Listening to stakeholders
A key aspect of Macasaet’s leadership was his openness to feedback from members, employers, and other stakeholders. Through the Stakeholders’ Forum, he gathered insights to shape SSS policies.
“Listening to our members and stakeholders ensures they engage with and support our programs. Every voice matters,” he said.
