New SSS CEO eyes loan program expansions, new branches
MANILA — Newly appointed Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Alfonso Limlingan is planning to expand loan programs and add more branches in different parts of the country to address long queues and offer more benefits to members.
Limlingan addressed members of the media on Friday, October 23, a few hours after the formal turnover ceremony of SSS leadership.
He replaced former SSS president Robert Joseph De Claro, who is now the secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Limlingan said with the help of the agency’s management team and a united commission, he wants to expand its loan programs that will give more benefits to members.
“I’m building on a very strong foundation – and because of that, I think I can be a little more ambitious,” Limlingan told reporters.
“Since, we have have an excellent management team, we have a united commission…so first, I want to expand the loan program.”
“Now, one of the fundamental challenges of pensions is we ask people to save for today – to consume tomorrow, and when will you receive it? when you retire. So, I understand that’s a very hard thing to ask people. Let’s face it, life is hard,” Limlingan told reporters.
“That’s why, my sort of thinking is – I want SSS to be relevant to you today. Not, when you retire,” he explained.
“I want us to be something you’re proud, and you look forward to be a member of. And I think the best way is through loans. Improve the lending product, so therefore people can now benefit from membership today aside from our seven other benefits,” Limlingan added.
And with the aging population of Filipinos, Limlingan believes that SSS should be ahead in preparing for more solutions and program
“I know that the only way to improve pensions going forward…is to improve investment returns. I want to improve the pension booster products,” he said.
“In life, you’re either short on funds or you have surplus…so yung mga short ang funds that’s why I wanna create products…yung mas magingawa – I want to give them pension booster products,” the official said.
Limlingan is also planning to add more small branches in different parts of the country believing that somehow it will address long queuing of members.
“I want to improve service to everyone…I know lines are long, and I want a more structured approach to it. I want data. That’s why the first thing I asked them was – what are the reasons people go? And a spoiler – its because of data change,” said Limlingan.
He also reminded SSS employees to take care of its members.
“If you take care of our members, the commission will take care of you. I intend to live by that…I recognized they work long hours, they’re prone to abuse…but that’s government service,” he said.
“Sometimes you just have to just have to make (pasensiya) but I hope you realize that the men and women of SSS toil tirelessly for the members – and somehow, this must be rewarded,” according to Limlingan.
Limlingan said he was recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by his predecessor for continuity of its programs.
But he said he is not new to the agency since he has been a commissioner of the agency for two years and chairman of the Investment Oversight Committee.
“He( Marcos) didn’t call me and give specific instructions. I think, we have to remember that SSS is a team player and we’re part of the (Department of Finance) team.”
“I think our mission hasn’t really changed – its to provide financial security of our members, so there’s no need to give a marching order its to be true to our commitment,” Limlingan clarified.
“I don’t think there’s really a need to give orders….we know our mission, we have structures in place to carry it out and as I said, our financial position is the strongest it’s ever been,” Limlingan told reporters.