English News
QUEZON CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) announced on August 12 its plan to expand its investment portfolio in foreign markets while continuing to actively participate in the domestic capital markets, as part of its strategy to diversify assets, enhance returns, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the SSS’ improved financial position provides greater capacity to pursue investment opportunities while continuing to contribute to nation-building through investments in the domestic market.
“We are very conservative, but at the same time, we are also in a very good position now because of our surplus, that for the first time, we have an opportunity to help in nation-building,” de Claro said.
As of 30 June 2026, SSS had ₱1.27 trillion in consolidated investments, distributed across various asset classes in the domestic market. These include ₱629.05 billion in government securities, ₱179.44 billion in equities, ₱154.56 billion in property, ₱151.90 billion in member loans, and ₱96.34 billion in corporate notes and bonds, among others.
The diversified portfolio generated ₱27.16 billion in actual investment income as of 30 June 2026, equivalent to an annualized return on investment of 4.53 percent. The figures exclude realized gains from the sale of equity securities classified as fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI).
SSS remains an active institutional investor in the Philippine capital market through investments in equities, government securities, and other financial instruments allowed under its investment policies. Its exploration of international investments is intended to complement, not replace, its existing domestic investments, providing greater diversification across markets and asset classes.
The planned overseas expansion will allow SSS to explore additional investment opportunities while maintaining its role in supporting the local capital market.
He emphasized that exploring overseas investments does not mean reducing SSS’ participation in the Philippine market. Rather, the initiative is intended to complement its existing domestic investments by providing greater diversification across markets and asset classes.
SSS aims to grow its reserve fund to ₱2 trillion by 2030, supporting its capacity to provide meaningful and sustainable social security protection to current and future generations of members and pensioners.
QUEZON CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) announced that members affected by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) may avail themselves of the existing Emergency Loan Program (ELP) to help address their financial needs arising from the calamity.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the ELP remains available to qualified members nationwide and serves as a readily accessible source of financial assistance for those experiencing financial hardship due to calamities and other emergency situations.
“The ELP is part of SSS’ continuing commitment to provide immediate financial relief to members affected by unforeseen events. Through the ELP, qualified members affected by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon may access much-needed financial assistance under more flexible eligibility requirements,” de Claro said.
“Under the ELP, which has been in effect since 01 May 2026, the required number of monthly contributions has been reduced from 36 to 18, provided that the member has at least six posted contributions in the last 12 months,” de Claro said.
He added that self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse, and land-based Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members must have at least six-monthly contributions under their current membership type before the month of loan application.
Other eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Under 65 years old at the time of loan application;
- Have a valid Philippine home address on SSS records;
- Have an updated contact information in the SSS database;
- Have no past-due emergency, calamity, salary, Educational Assistance Loan, or other short-term or long-term member loans;
- Have no outstanding restructured loan;
- Have not been disqualified due to fraud committed against the SSS;
- Have not been granted any final benefit like retirement or permanent total disability benefits; and
- Have an active disbursement account enrolled through the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) in the My.SSS Portal.
Qualified members may borrow up to ₱20,000 at an interest rate as low as 7% per annum. The loan is payable over 30 months, inclusive of a six-month moratorium period.
“Members are not required to make monthly amortization payments during the first six months from the date of loan approval. No penalties will be imposed during this period. Regular monthly amortization payments will begin in the seventh month,” de Claro explained.
De Claro added that members affected by the tropical cyclone may also apply for an SSS salary loan at the same time, subject to the eligibility requirements.
Members may apply online for both the ELP and the salary loan through the My.SSS Portal at www.sss.gov.ph.
Healthcare services came closer to the doorstep of residents in Brgy. Victoria Reyes, Dasmariñas City, as the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC) conducted a Medical and Dental Mission on August 11, 2026, bringing essential health services directly to the community, serving 735 beneficiaries.
Of the total number of beneficiaries, 568 residents received medical consultations, while 58 availed themselves of dental services. The mission also provided preventive and diagnostic services, including 75 Free Blood Sugar (FBS) tests and 34 Electrocardiogram (ECG) examinations.
The activity was carried out through the collaborative efforts of the Office of the Provincial Governor and the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital (GEAMH) team, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), and local government officials, ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of healthcare services to the community.
The PGC likewise expressed its appreciation for the support and cooperation of Vice Mayor Third Barsaga, the City Council, and Punong Barangay Roberto B. Atabay, whose support and active participation contributed to the successful implementation of the mission. — OPIO
To reinforce strict quality standards and elevate hygiene practices in food processing, personnel at Valucrops, Inc. participated in a comprehensive Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Training held on August 12, 2026, at their facility in Barangay Bucal, Amadeo, Cavite.
The interactive workshop equipped participants with essential food safety protocols, proper sanitization routines, and contamination prevention measures required in commercial manufacturing.
Highlighting the training was the engaging GloGerm activity—an eye-opening, practical exercise that simulates the spread of invisible bacteria. Trainees applied a lotion-like lotion to their hands before performing standard handwashing or processing tasks. Under the glow of a UV blacklight, any hidden “germs” left behind were instantly revealed, underscoring the critical importance of meticulous handwashing and sanitation.
By combining foundational GMP theory with vivid, hands-on learning, the training empowered the Valucrops, Inc. team to maintain peak operational hygiene, ensuring that every product leaving their facility meets the highest standards of consumer safety and quality. (DOST Cavite)
Tagalog News
Ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan, mas mataas ang panganib ng Leptospirosis, lalo na sa mga lugar na nakararanas ng pagbaha. Ang sakit na ito ay maaaring makuha kapag ang sugat o bahagi ng katawan ay nakasalamuha sa tubig-baha o putik na maaaring kontaminado ng ihi ng infected na hayop, partikular ng daga.
Bilang bahagi ng ating pangangalaga sa kalusugan, nais naming ipabatid na may PhilHealth benefits para sa Moderate to Severe Leptospirosis upang makatulong sa gastusin sa pagpapagamot at mga kinakailangang serbisyong medikal.
Ayon sa kalakip na impormasyon, kabilang sa mga benepisyong maaaring saklaw ang:
Hemodialysis (HD) at vascular access – hanggang ₱170,000
Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) at PD Solutions – hanggang ₱230,000
Hemodialysis + Hemoperfusion – hanggang ₱325,000
Hemodialysis + Mechanical Ventilation + Pulmonary Rehabilitation – hanggang ₱411,000
Saklaw din ng package ang mga serbisyong tulad ng kwarto sa admission, mga gamot, laboratoryo, diagnostic imaging, at oxygen, ayon sa naaangkop na benepisyo at kondisyon ng pasyente.
🛡️ Protektahan ang Sarili Laban sa Leptospirosis
Kung kinakailangang lumusong sa baha, magsuot ng wastong protective gear tulad ng bota at gloves at iwasang magkaroon ng contact ang baha sa mga sugat o bukas na bahagi ng balat.
Kung nakalusong sa baha at nakararanas ng mga sintomas na maaaring kaugnay ng Leptospirosis, magpakonsulta agad sa health facility. Maaari ring magtungo sa PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic para sa konsultasyon at, kung naaangkop, reseta para sa Doxycycline na maaaring makuha sa mga participating GAMOT facilities.
Huwag balewalain ang mga sintomas. Ang maagap na pagpapakonsulta ay mahalaga upang maiwasan ang paglala ng sakit.
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa PhilHealth 24/7 hotline:
(02) 8662-2588
www.philhealth.gov.ph
Maging alerto, mag-ingat, at unahin ang kalusugan ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan.
Maraming salamat at manatiling ligtas!
ARESTADO ang isang motorista dahil sa hindi pagsunod sa operasyong ‘Oplan Sita’ na isinasagawa ng kapulisan na nagresulta sa pagkakasamsam ng mga umano’y kontrabandong sigarilyo kamakailan sa Magallanes, Cavite.
Kinilala ang suspek na si alyas JM, 44, at naninirahan sa Nasugbu, Batangas.
Nabatid na dakong alas-7:50 ng umaga nitong Agosto 19 ay nagsasagawa ng routine inspection ang mga tauhan ng Magallanes Municipal Police Station sa kahabaan ng Maragondon–Magallanes Road at sinenyasan nila ang isang puting utility vehicle van.
Hindi pinansin ng drayber ang hudyat ng mga pulis at nagpatuloy sa pagmamaneho kaya hinabol at hinarang ang sasakyan sa hindi kalayuan.
Isinagawa ang inspeksyon at natagpuan ang ilang kahon ng mga produktong sigarilyo sa loob ng sasakyan.
Hiniling sa suspek na magpakita ng mga kinakailangang dokumento na nagpapahintulot sa pagmamay-ari, transportasyon, o pamamahagi ng mga produkto ngunit nabigong maibigay ang mga kinakailangang dokumento.
Nabawi ng mga awtoridad ang isang Utility Vehicle Van (UVV), modelo ng 2024, at 125 ream ng iba’t ibang uri ng sigarilyo na tinatayang nasa P70,000 ang halaga.
Natagpuan ang lahat ng produktong sigarilyo na walang nakalagay na mga itinakdang Graphic Health Warning na kinakailangan sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 10643, o ang Graphic Health Warnings Law ng Pilipinas.
ISANG Regional Level Most Wanted Person ang nadakip sa ikinasang operasyon ng pullisya kamakailan sa Carmona City, Cavite.
Ang akusadong si alyas RJ, 44, at kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Carmona City, ay naaresto nitong Agosto 19.
Inaresto siya ng mga tauhan ng Carmona Component City Police Station sa bisa ng warrant of arrest dahil sa paglabag sa Republic Act 9165, o ang Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Inilabas ang warrant ng Presiding Judge ng Regional Trial Court, Branch 152, Biñan City, Laguna, na may petsang Setyembre 10, 2024, para sa pagpapatupad ng sentensiya.
LUCENA CITY– Mas pinaigting ng PhilHealth Regional Office IVA (PRO IVA) at National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), sa pangunguna nina PRO IVA ARVP Dr. Edwin M. Oriña at NAPC Director Alexis D. Lapiz, Director III, Administration and Finance Management Service, ang pagtutulungan para sa implementasyon ng PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program)sa ginanap na coordination meeting sa tanggapan ng PhilHealth sa nasabing lungsod noong Hulyo.
Ang pagpupulong ay bahagi ng mga hakbang na nakasaad sa Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) na nilagdaan ng dalawang ahensiya upang mapalawak ang abot ng mga programa at impormasyon ng PhilHealth sa mga marginalized at vulnerable sectors sa pamamagitan ng malawakang stakeholder engagement at capacity building activities.
Isa sa mga pangunahing napagkasunduan sa pulong ang pagsasagawa ng Training of Trainers (TOT) at Capacity Building Activity para sa mga NAPC Council Members na nakatakdang idaos ngayong Agosto 2026 sa Lucena City, Quezon.
Sa nasabing aktibidad, inaasahang mabibigyan ang mga council members ng mas malalim na pag-unawa sa mga programa ng PhilHealth, particular ukol sa PhilHealth YAKAP, upang maging epektibong katuwang sa pagpapalaganap ng tamang impormasyon at pag-uugnay ng kanilang mga sektor sa mga serbisyong pangkalusugan ng pamahalaan.
Ayon sa mga kinatawan ng PhilHealth at NAPC, ang pagsasanay ay magsisilbing mahalagang hakbang upang matiyak na ang mga impormasyon tungkol sa PhilHealth membership, benepisyo, at iba pang serbisyong pangkalusugan ay makarating sa mga sektor na limitado ang akses.
Ayon sa mga opisyal ng dalawang ahensya, ang nakatakdang TOT at Capacity Building Activity ay magsisilbing mahalagang mekanismo upang mapalawak ang saklaw ng pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon at mapalakas ang partisipasyon ng mga grassroots organization at sectoral councils sa pagsusulong ng Universal Health Care at PhilHealth YAKAP.
Ang pagpapatuloy ng partnership sa ilalim ng MOU ay nagpapatunay sa iisang layunin ng PhilHealth at NAPC na mabigyan ng mas inklusibo, accessible, at de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan ang bawat Pilipino, lalo na ang mga kabilang sa mga sektor na higit na nangangailangan ng proteksiyong pangkalusugan. ### (SMOC)
