The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has partnered with the Social Security System (SSS) to extend essential social security benefits to its contract of service (COS) workers.

CFO Secretary Dante Ang II emphasized the importance of ensuring stability and protection for all workers, stating that the initiative reflects inclusivity and fairness in government employment.

“At CFO, we recognize that each member of our workforce plays an important role in fulfilling our mandate to serve Filipinos worldwide. It is only fitting that we extend to them the same opportunities for stability and protection that contribute to their overall well-being,” Ang said in a press release on Monday.

The agreement, signed on Friday, will grant contract of service workers access to sickness, disability, maternity and retirement benefits, similar to their permanently employed counterparts.

The CFO will streamline the collection and remittance of contributions, reinforcing its commitment to workforce protection.

Ang expressed hope that this initiative could serve as a model for other government agencies aiming to improve benefits for contractual employees. (PNA)