SSS Advocates for Filipino Seafarers’ Social Security Benefits through MITC

The Social Security System (SSS) is committed to advocating for the social security benefits of Filipino seafarers through the newly established Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC). SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, along with government agencies, labor groups, and ship owners, signed a Memorandum of Agreement to create the council, which aims to address maritime employment concerns and prioritize the well-being of Filipino seafarers. Macasaet emphasized that SSS will provide financial assistance for emergencies such as disability, sickness, maternity, unemployment, old age, funeral, and death, urging seafarers to become SSS members.

Macasaet encouraged seafarers to make at least 120 monthly contributions to qualify for a lifetime monthly pension upon retirement, highlighting the various benefits beyond retirement that SSS membership offers. Seafarers contributing more than P20,000 monthly salary credit are automatically enrolled in the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP), allowing them to accumulate contributions and investment earnings for a monthly pension upon retirement if it exceeds P100,000. He also recommended WISP Plus, a voluntary program for seafarers to save additional funds for retirement with tax-free investment earnings.

The Maritime Industry Tripartite Council will be chaired by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and will include representatives from various government agencies, labor groups, and the management sector. Government agencies like SSS, DOLE, DFA, DOH, DOTr, DICT, CHED, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and NTC will be part of the council, along with labor groups like TUCP, AMOSUP, and seafarer unions. The management sector will also be represented by organizations like the Conference of Maritime Manning Agencies and the Filipino Shipowners Association.

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