The Social Security System (SSS) Legazpi branch on Thursday conducted the Barangay and Other Offsite E-Centers Online Services Training (BOOST) program, which aims to expand the accessibility of SSS services to villages across the Bicol region.

In an interview at Hotel St. Ellis, Elenita Samblero, vice president of SSS Luzon Bicol Division, underscored the program’s objective in bringing SSS services closer to the barangay level.

“Our goal is to invite barangays to assist us in information dissemination and to become our partners. With their facilities, we can establish partnerships through a memorandum of agreement,” she said.

Samblero highlighted the agency’s commitment to digitalization to help members and applicants transact without visiting the SSS offices.

“With this program, members can now manage their transactions online. As our partners, they can help disseminate information about the new programs SSS is providing,” she said.

“Our objective is to reach remote barangays so that residents won’t have to travel to our offices. This will increase awareness among residents that they can access SSS services through this program.”

Samblero said senior citizens would also benefit from the program’s off-site services.

She encouraged students to register as SSS members when they turn 18, even before they enter the workforce.

The SSS launched the program in schools last year, allowing students to automatically become members once they start working in the private sector.

“The registration process is now fully automated and can be completed online, unlike before,” Samblero said.

Alwin Lorena, a 51-year-old barangay treasurer from Dela Paz, Daraga, Albay, shared that the BOOST program has helped him gain valuable knowledge about the SSS services.

“People are generally aware of SSS, but this program encourages more individuals to become members as they gain a better understanding of the benefits,” he said.

Lorena said the program equipped them to share SSS services with their local communities.

“We’ve become a bridge that connects SSS and the people in our barangay,” Lorena said.

The program was attended by various stakeholders, including barangay representatives, national government agencies, local government units, and community-based organizations from different areas in Albay. (PNA)