Pola, Oriental Mindoro – Mayor Leonardo Panganiban Jr. headed recently the launching of Alkansssya Program – a microsavings program designed for informal workers seeking social protection in Pola Municipal gymnasium, March 12, 2014.
The event was attended by 100 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who are new members of the Alkansssya program. The project is a collaboration between the local government unit of Pola, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region IV – MiMaRoPa and Social Security System (SSS).
Alkansssya is a saving scheme that helps informal workers save up for their SSS contribution through the use of “piggy bank” cabinets. Beneficiaries are encouraged to deposit an amount on a daily basis until they come up with the Php312.00 monthly contribution.
“Isa po itong malaking tulong, at isang maluwag na pamamaraan upang magkaroon ng access sa insurance ang ating mga kababayaran ditto sa pola,” said Mayor Panganiban, who signed the memorandum of agreement with DSWD and SSS taking accountability for the safekeeping of the aluminum cabinets in Pola municipal office.
Roberto Marcelo, Branch Manager of SSS Oriental Mindoro, said the project will be able to give easy access to all informal workers in gaining insurance protection without the burden of having to give out Php312.00 contribution at once. He also added that the SSS team will take full responsibility of assuring the amount is deposited monthly. Members can also avail of salary and housing loans, as well as funeral, maternity, disability, death and retirement benefits.
The event was also attended by SWAD team leader Miramelinda Leuterio, DSWD IV-MIMAROPA external relations officer Maritess Pones and Municipal Social Welfare Office’s, Remedios Fegalan.
Pola is the first municipality in Oriental Mindoro that adopted the project and will soon be replicated in other municipalities as well.