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NARRATIVE REPORT

A. Introduction

Practicum or on the job training is one way by which we students are given an opportunity to apply the theories and computations that we learned from school. It also helps us to obtain applicable knowledge and skills by performing in actual work settings. Colleges and universities require their students to undergo such training within a specific number of hours as part of the curriculum and Central Philippine University is one of them. It gives student a competitive edge for their future employment and business.

The said Practicum Training exposes us to the real environment of a certain organization. Thus, adjusting oneself and mingling with others is a must to cope up with different standards and attitudes of every individual in a particular field of industry. Further, practicum will be a bridge to enhance our skills in communication and technical activities that makes it a plus point the sooner we landed a job and help ease the culture shock while dealing with different specialized people of their expertise.

For us students, an OJT or practicum program provides opportunities to go through the actual methodologies of a specific job. In effect, the workplace becomes a development venue for us student trainees to learn more about our chosen field and practice what we have learned from the academy. We trainees can bring fresh ideas into the organization. Given the opportunity to converse our minds freely and without fear, we

maybe able to contribute significantly in brainstorming sessions or research and eventually help improve the organizations productivity.

Accommodating practicum trainees can truly be beneficial not only to the trainees but also to the companies that provide opportunities for this type of learning. There is wisdom in the front lines. Such training can be an investment that will be valuable to the company later on. This is also why trainees should take their internship seriously as it can become a powerful tool and possibly even a source of recommendation when they take that big lift from being students to career professionals.

In accordance, the practicum program of the College of Business and Accountancy aims: 1. To apply classroom learnings in the analysis of a functioning organization. 2. To narrow the gap between academic theory and actual business practice. 3. To give students job experience and an advantage in job selection and placement. 4. To create goodwill on campus and in the community for CPU; and 5. To develop self-confidence and a professional personality.

This will not happen without the existence of excellent partners of CPU College of Business and Accountancy. There are several companies that are willing to have student trainees. I was lucky to hold my practicum at the Social Security System, which is a social insurance program that provides retirement and health benefits to all enrolled employees in the Philippines. SSS is situated at J.M. Basa cor. Mapa Streets, Iloilo City,

in front of the Freedom Grandstand where most of the business establishments in Iloilo are found. SSS is situated in a 4-storey building where they rented the 3rd and 4th floor. Member Assistance Center (MAC) is located on 3rd floor at the right wing, where all transactions regarding Loans, Retirement Benefits, Death/Funeral Benefits and the like are covered. The left wing is where the Tellering Department and E-Center are located where all company related transactions are to be found. Legal and Administrative Department and the Central Processing Department (CPD) is situated on the 4th floor.

We went to SSS last October 24, 2012 to formally request for our practicum training. I including my four classmates in Accounting Technology and the other four Finance major students was requested to start immediately on October 25. The other 16 trainees started their work last November 5, 2012. First day of my training, I was little nervous for it will be my first time having a actual job. We were introduced to the head of MAC Department, Mr. Rene Moises Gonzaeles which will be our supervisor. He explained to us the rules and regulation for the trainees such as to always follow the instructions of the superiors, the type of clothes to wear and the different facilities that can be used by the trainees. He asked us a little of our personal background and then after that he brought us to our respective heads. I was assigned at the Corporate Lane which is headed by Mrs. Elda Altamia and Mr. Rey Mark Casaquite. All company-related transactions take place at the Corporate Lane. Aside from the orientation made by Sir Rene, Maam Elda oriented me on how the things work at the Corporate Lane. Fortunately, Maam Elda and Sir Mark have been good to me throughout my entire

practicum training. They are one of the nicest employees at SSS. They assisted me during my first day of work until the last day which I will be forever grateful of.

B. Description of the Work Performed

All reports and other occurring transactions that are company related were done in the Corporate Lane. It is one of the two sections that compose E-Center of Social Security System. The other one is the Medical Section. The section that I have been assigned to requires proper concentration and quick in responding to situations. Fortunately, Ive been introduced and trained to different types of works that I have been working on diligently and independently.

Since the start of my training, I performed the following: a. Sorting of different forms passed by different companies through their representatives. This requires eye attention so that you wont make a mistake in arranging them. Some of the forms that I sort includes: i. R3 or the Contribution Collection List which is used by an employer-member to report his employees Social Security and Employees Compensation contribution. ii. R1-A this form is used by employers to report new employees who already have a Social Security number. iii. ISL-101 it is a form intended for loan to meet a members short term credit needs.

iv.

E-4 or a Members Data Amendment Form which is required when a member needs changes on his/her account that includes correction of name, correction of date birth and/or change of status.

v.

L-501 it is the specimen signature of a company. Company representatives needs to submit this form in order to be recognized as the official representative of their respective company. These forms are written down in a log book which I myself maintain.

After writing it down, it will be presented and checked by Maam Majelende Sumido who is in charge of all the forms transactions the following day. b. Filing of brown envelopes which contains processed R3 reports that was passed by company representatives. These reports sum-up the total contributions by the employer-member to their employees compensation contribution. It can also be processed through online which will be convenient to the members of SSS. These envelopes are arranged alphabetically in a filing cabinet. I am the one in charge in receiving, filing and pulling out those envelopes. c. Writing down names of people who requested Maternity and Sickness Reimbursement to the Transmittal List which to be received later by the Central Processing Department (CPD) Medical Section. These reimbursements will be processed and will be sent to the main office for approval of checks. I shall make sure that I got all the Reimbursements form including the ones which were passed to Maam Cheryl Evangelista at the

Medical Section. Every afternoon I went up to the CPD section to deliver the said transmittal lists. d. I did try processing Electronic R3 reports when Sir Mark taught me how to do it. It was just encoding information from the reports that was submitted by the company and then checked if those information matched the details in the computer system of SSS. e. I also performed other incidental works like: i. Photocopying and printing of the transmittal lists and other documents that were needed by my superiors. At first I dont know how to use the photocopying machine but with the help of my co-trainee, I did. You really need to establish good working relationships with others. ii. Answering the telephone every time it rings and sometimes calling some of the companies that submitted their reports incorrectly or if there are errors on the format of their reports. Its my task to inform them that they need to get their report when there are errors so that it can be processed immediately. iii. Delivering files to other employees and have some document signed by different employees. Its best to know the people around the workplace so that it will not be too hard in finding them when you need them.

In doing a task, we must exert our full effort into the maximum level in order to do what the task requires and this practicum program taught me to do that.

C. Principles, Concepts and Skills As an Accounting Technology student, we were equipped of understanding about computers. Basic computer knowledge that we have learned in Comp310, like simple typing, was very applicable on our workplace. It was very useful especially on encoding of the Electronic R3 reports. SSS has been integrating with technology for faster transactions and they encourage their members to register online so that it will be much easier for them to transact. Therefore, trainees like us, should also be a computer literate in order to cope with the technological advancement of the company.

Also, basic knowledge of calculating interest whenever some companies have a penalty in their contributions due to late payments is needed. This applies the formulas that we have learned in Business Math (Bus25).

In answering and having a conversation on the telephone needs an appropriate manner. One should be polite and know the proper protocol to be used when youre in a telephone situation. I remember this lesson about Etiquette on our Humanities subject. I now realize the importance of that subject.

Having been in a new environment requires a person to adjust to his/her surrounding. In the workplace youll meet different kinds of people. From the branch manager down to the janitors, you should establish a good working relationship with them so that staying in the company will not be as hard as possible. This was

discussed in our management subjects. And speaking of different people, at SSS we have met all kinds of people, from different walks of life. As what Dr. Leila Ferraris, the Assistant Branch Head told us, we need to be very patient in dealing with the members of the SSS for they can be really tough sometimes. This is where Business Ethics enters. We should always keep in mind that this is a business and that we are there to serve them. No matter what happen we should face and talk to them without losing our temper.

D. Major Learnings The practicum program has provided me a great change in my life. It has given me the opportunity to explore my professional side and opportunities to go through the actual methodologies of a specific job using the real tools, equipments and documents.

It helped me build my competence, professionalism in dealing with people, quality awareness, collaboration skills, critical thinking abilities, discipline, ingenuity and independence.

It helped me developed strong organizational skills and high ethical standards. It enables me to communicate with people at all levels and I gain self confidence and maturity throughout the training.

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The following are the values, knowledge, and ability that I have taken and developed during our practicum to made me a productive individuals: a. Commitment. I am responsible in the performance of my assigned tasks as I dedicate myself to the vision and mission of the company and also to the goals of our school to have this training. b. Integrity. I am committed to uphold myself to the principles of honesty and transparency in all my actions. c. Interpersonal Relationship. Having a good communication with the employees, is one of the most important things that I have learned. Being open to them whenever we have questions or we need some help develop not only our skills but improved our relationship with them. d. Teamwork. This is really important in any organizations. We are committed to work as one family to achieve our common goal in the spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and trust. Thus, teamwork must always be present. e. Confidentiality. This is needed in order to establish trust in the workplace. All financial and non financial information are confidential in nature. So disclosing it with third parties is not allowed. What we have heard or seen at the company, well leave it at the company. f. Professional Behavior. I am in the actual workplace, so I must act as a professional. My attitude will be a reflection of my school thus, proper behavior is required. g. Politeness. We should respect our employee and co-trainees at all times. A simple greeting may do. This will help you build good relationship with them.

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h. Punctuality. To be a productive person you need to be punctual. There should be no excuse of being late. We dont need to waste our time and we should have proper time for each specific action.

These qualities and values that I have gained on my practicum at SSS will be forever embodied by me, may it be on workplace or outside work. I will always be thankful that I experienced all of this because it will form an integral part of me.

E. Personal Feelings and Observations Intelligence is one of the key to succeed. No one can take it away from us. But having knowledge isnt enough to succeed. We need to use it on the right way. We have to persist to attain our goals. On my training I learned a lot in terms of socialization and vision towards life.

Having my internship in Social Security System was overwhelming yet challenging. I dont know what to expect and how to set my boundaries. At first, I was afraid of doing something wrong or illogical that would stain the name of my school and of course I dont want that to happen.

As the days goes by, I became confident and learned to forget my training worries. The training made me a better person through the challenges, adjustments and difficulties that I face during the entire training. It showed me greater responsibilities, put humility and respects to my workplace, co-trainees and superiors. I realized that it is not

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easy working in the real world and everything that I experienced will have a great impact on my whole being as a person.

At the office, its not always work and work. Of course we also have a time where we just enjoyed ourselves by simply laughing even at the corniest joke. Sir Mark made it a happy and enjoyable work environment despite of the workloads that stresses us out at times. The company treated me as a family and gave me responsibilities that I needed and enjoyed working. All the employees made my stay at the SSS worth finishing and heavy workloads bearable. As they say, happy employees create a happy work environment and produces positive and great work results. In sum, the practicum training wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, 250 hours was a breeze and I just realized it was already over. Going to work and seeing those friendly faces helped me a lot. It made me look forward in going to work everyday. Im sure the real world wouldnt always have as many friendly faces like the people in SSS. I will surely miss the employees there especially my supervisor Sir Rene and the one who handled me, Maam Elda who is always generous to me and Sir Mark who I considered now my friend. And to sum it up, before we parted ways, Sir Mark sent me an encouragement text message that I will be keeping in my mind and in my heart forever. It says, Your grades dont matter, what is important is that you were able to learn from your experiences and apply it in practical life. Your weaknesses will remind you to strive harder because I believe you can do a lot better. Good luck kag halong sa pagtahak sang gina-tawag nga pangabuhi. Congrats in advance and Job Well Done.

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Indeed, practicum training brought me to a different ambiance and higher level of living life because I acknowledge the skills I never thought I had and it gives me the glimpse of what the real world has.

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ANALYSIS REPORT

A. History An orderly and dependable system was proposed by then President Manuel Roxas in 1948. He wanted an effective mechanism of protection for low-salaried Filipino employees and wage earners. Nine years later, the Social Security Law - also known as the Social Security Act was finally implemented, providing replacement income for employees in times of sickness, disability, death, maternity, calamity, and old age. The Philippine Social Security System administers two major programs, namely, the basic Social Security (SS) Program, and the Employees' Compensation (EC) Program. The latter, started in 1975, was established to provide double compensation to a worker in the event that an illness, accident, or death occurs during a work-related activity. These benefits are extended only to SSS members with employers other than themselves. The implementation of the Philippine Social Security System also marked the adoption by the government of the 'social insurance approach' to social security, covering the working segment in the private sector. In 1997, Pres. Fidel Ramos further strengthened the SSS with Republic Act 8282, providing workers with better benefits, expanded coverages, and improved investment flexibility.

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Stiffer penalties were also imposed on violators of the law, while a program of condonation of penalties for delinquent employers was set up to increase revenues, and thus improve services. The Philippine Social Security System has recently been very busy releasing loans to victims of the recent typhoon, internationally code-named Xangsane, which left thousands of people homeless in its wake. It has also made a significant breakthrough in its announcement that compulsory retirees, or those reaching the compulsory retirement age of 65, may now claim their retirement benefits on the same day they retire. SSS President and CEO Corazon de le Paz announced this and advised prospective compulsory retirees to begin filing their retirement claims 6 months before they finish their service, as the processing of the benefit may now be completed in 15 working days. From the first half of 2006, retirement pension has retained the top spot in the list of The Philippine Social Security System's disbursement benefits, showing a 10.1% increase for the first half of 2005. Members of the Philippine Social Security System can now also avail of the new SSS Infoline, which is a stand-alone computer providing information about SSS policies, loans, benefits, and important statistics. It can also provide information on their pending, current, or finished loan applications and loan payments, just with the use of their digital SSS ID cards. SSS Infoline kiosks strategically set up at the SSS Quezon City main office and at selected shopping malls nationwide is the Philippine Social Security System's latest effort

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to provide its milions of members with a quick access to valuable information on their membership. Its touch-screen mechanism gives instructions in either English or Filipino, and short audiovisual clips are also utilized to make the data easier to remember. SSS Infoline also features a feedback page for members' comments and suggestions. As of the first quarter of 2006, the SSS has more than 20 million members, with over P208 billion in assets. These are invested in equities; housing, member, and development loans; government interests; and real estate. An average ROI of 7.3% keeps the Philippine Social Security System adequately equipped to fulfill the social security needs of its 20-million strong member base. Government workers are similarly protected by an institution similar to the SSS, namely the Government Service Insurance System or GSIS.

DECLARATION OF POLICY "It is the policy of the State to establish, develop, promote and perfect a sound and viable tax-exempt social security system suitable to the needs of the people throughout the Philippines which shall promote social justice and provide meaningful protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden. Toward this end, the State shall endeavor to extend social security protection to workers and their beneficiaries." (Section 2, RA 8282)

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STATEMENT OF VISION "The SSS aims to develop and promote a viable, universal and equitable social security protection scheme through world-class service." Viable. Social security protection shall be provided through generations. Universal. Social security protection shall be provided to all residents of the Philippines, citizens and non-citizens alike, regardless of creed, gender, age, geographic location and economic status, especially the disadvantaged, so that no one will become a burden to society. Equitable. Fair and uniform coverage shall be made available to all. Benefits shall be meaningful and able to sustain a decent standard of living. World-class service. Social security service that is prompt, accurate and courteous shall be provided to ensure total member satisfaction.

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE VALUES "The SSS aims to institutionalize a corporate culture that instills the core values of trust, empowerment and teamwork."

TRANSPARENCY SEAL In accordance to National Budget Circular 542: National Budget Circular 542, issued by the Department of Budget and Management on August 29, 2012, reiterates compliance with Section 93 of the General Appropriations Act of FY2012. Section 93 is the Transparency Seal provision, to wit:

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Sec. 93. Transparency Seal. To enhance transparency and enforce accountability, all national government agencies shall maintain a transparency seal on their official websites. The transparency seal shall contain the following information: (i) the agencys mandates and functions, names of its officials with their position and designation, and contact information; (ii) annual reports, as required under National Budget Circular Nos. 507 and 507-A dated January 31, 2007 and June 12, 2007, respectively, for the last three (3) years; (iii) their respective approved budgets and corresponding targets immediately upon approval of this Act; (iv) major programs and projects categorized in accordance with the five key results areas under E.O. No. 43, s. 2011; (v) the program/projects beneficiaries as identified in the applicable special provisions; (vi) status of implementation and program/project evaluation and/or assessment reports; and (vii) annual procurement plan, contracts awarded and the name of contractors/suppliers/consultants. The respective heads of the agencies shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this section. A Transparency Seal, prominently displayed on the main page of the website of a particular government agency, is a certificate that it has complied with the requirements of Section 93. This Seal links to a page within the agencys website which contains an index of downloadable items of each of the above-mentioned documents.

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PLANS AND PROGRAMS WITH STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION Corporate Plans 1. Implement Loan Penalty Condonation Program for Individual Members To address loan delinquency concerns of individual members and allow them to update their records 2. Open additional Foreign Offices To reach out to more OFWs 3. Pursue Bilateral Agreements with Portugal, Greece and Japan To reach out to migrant Filipinos in Portugal, Greece and Japan Status Implemented Penalty Condonation Program for Individual Members from April to September 30, 2012 Opened Dubai and Kuala Lumpur offices in September 2012 and October 2012, Respectively Denmark and Portugal social security agreements signed on September 11 and 14 2012, respectively 3rd exploratory meeting for Japan social security agreement on August 7 10, 2012 Bilateral Agreement with Greece deferred by the Office of European Affairs due to ongoing reforms in its social security system Conducted initial dialogue with Filipino community in Korea regarding their concerns on the Philippine Korea social security agreement last October 28, 2012 Implemented AlkanSSSya program to 41 informal sector associations that include tricycle drivers and operators, trisikad drivers, market vendors, fish port workers and waste disposal workers as of midDecember 2012 Implemented Member Get Member Promo from January to September 2012 Conducted 10 various stakeholders consultations from January to October 2012 Letter seeking approval on the Reform Agenda (increase in contribution rate from 10.4% to 11% and MSC from 15,000 to 16,000, and grant of 5% across the board pension increase) was sent to the Office of the President of the Philippines early December 2012 Registration and Coverage System: Parallel implementation in Diliman and Pasig Branches and full implementation in

4. Explore innovative programs for Special Sectors (AlkanSSSya) To encourage the self employed in the Special Sectors to save up for their monthly contribution 5. Launch Member Get Member Promo Program to reach out to the OFW market 6. Pursue Reform Agenda To amend the contribution rates from 10.4% to 11% and increase Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) ceiling from P15,000 to P20,000

7. Implement Redesign of Registration and Coverage System, Cash Collection System and Account Management System

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To expedite processing of registration, cash collections and monitoring of employer transactions

8. Complete the Conversion of Microfilm Data to Digital Media To facilitate posting of the unposted 1985-1989 contributions 9. Establish 24/7 Call Center To be more accessible 24/7 nationwide and in other parts of the World 10. Implement DDR (Death, Disability and Retirement) Workflow To expedite the servicing of Death, Disability and Retirement Benefits 11. Implement improved Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) To ensure that benefits are received by rightful pensioners 12. Implement Voluntary Provident Fund (PF) for Members To offer members a more comprehensive retirement protection system 13. Implement Electronic Submission of Members Collection List To improve the collection of contributions and loan payments 14. Use of Unified Multipurpose ID (UMID) Card Expand features of the UMID Card

Makati and Welcome Branches Cash Collections System: Parallel Implementation in 15 NCR Branches with Tellering System Accounts Management System: Completed external testing through internet by 3 employers Completed conversion of 1,837 rolls or 4.4M images of 1985-1989 R3s (out of 4.4M images) in June 2012 The infrastructure for a 24/7 has been installed. However, the system is currently being implemented on a 24/5 operation until such time that the transaction volume warrants a 24/7 operation Implemented DDR Workflow in July 2012

15. Implementation of E Centers To provide members an electronic means of transacting while inside the branch 16. Hiring of an Ad Agency To be our partner in communicating the value of SSS membership

Implemented in January 2012 the improved ACOP that now allows confirmation of pensioners existence by their depository banks 2 failed biddings of the PF information system services because there were no bidders who participated Conducted pre-procurement conference (bidding) for the PF system, including module for investment monitoring Implemented electronic R3s (collection list) in March 2012 and conversion of employers to electronic submission of R3s is progressing well Completed elimination of backlogs in November 2012 Completed the discussion with 2 banks on the possibility of incorporating the use of UMID card in ATMs Implemented E Center in 10 branches nationwide

Hired LOWE (ad agency) in January 2012

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17. Ensure best use of physical facilities To provide the SSS with clean and well maintained offices, safe and operational utilities, facilities, equipment and transportation services

18. Acquisition of an Investment Management System To provide a more transparent and efficient monitoring and management system of Investment Portfolio 19. Co-location of Back up Site To ensure continuous IT processing for SSS branches nationwide 20. Enhanced Qualification Standards and Training Requirements per Position To provide a best fit in manpower recruitment, staffing, and employee development

Guidelines and standards of SSS Building and Branch Design was formalized into a manual Scored 94% in the energy conservation by the Department of Energy Awarded for Best Practice in Waste Management by Quezon City Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Hired SGV as consultant for IMS in December 2012

Implemented co location of back up site on 29 July 2012 Enhanced QS for all executive positions was formalized and forwarded to Civil Service Commission for approval on 23 October 2012

MEMBERSHIP Voluntary Coverage a. Coverage of Separated Members A member who is separated from employment or ceased to be selfemployed/OFW/non-working spouse and would like to continue contributing. b. Coverage of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) A Filipino recruited in the Philippines by a foreign-based employer for employment abroad or one who legitimately entered a foreign country (i.e. tourist, student) and is eventually employed.

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c. Coverage of Non-working Spouses of SSS members A person legally married to a currently employed and actively paying SSS member who devotes full time in the management of household and family affairs may be covered on a voluntary basis provided there is the approval of the working spouse. The person should never have been a member of the SSS. The contributions will be based on 50 percent of the working spouses last posted monthly salary credit but in no case shall it be lower than P1,000.

Effectivity of Voluntary Coverage 1. For an overseas Filipino worker upon first payment of contribution, in case of initial coverage. 2. For a non-working spouse upon first payment of contribution. 3. For a separated member on the month he/she resumed payment of contribution.

Compulsory Coverage Coverage of Self-Employed Members A self-employed person, regardless of trade, business or occupation, with an income of at least P1,000 a month and not over 60 years old, should register with the SSS. Included, but not limited to are the following self-employed persons. 1. self-employed professionals; 2. business partners, single proprietors and board directors;

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3. actors, actresses, directors, scriptwriters and news reporters who are not under an employer-employee relationship; 4. professional athletes, coaches, trainers and jockeys; 5. farmers and fisherfolks; and 6. workers in the informal sector such as cigarette vendors, watch-your-car boys, hospitality girls, among others.

Coverage of Employees 1. A private employee, whether permanent, temporary or provisional, who is not over 60 years old. 2. A household-helper earning at least P1,000 a month is compulsory covered starting Sept. 1, 1993. A household-helper is any person who renders domestic services exclusively to a household such as driver, gardener, cook, governess, and other similar occupations. 3. A Filipino seafarer upon the signing of the standard contract of employment between the seafarer and the manning agency which, together with the foreign ship owner, act as employers. 4. An employee of a foreign government, international organization or their whollyowned instrumentality based in the Philippines, which entered into an administrative agreement with the SSS for the coverage of its Filipino workers. 5. The parent, spouse or child below 21 years old of the owner of a single proprietorship business.

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Coverage of Employers 1. An employer, or any person who uses the services of another person in business, trade, industry or any undertaking. A social, civic, professional, charitable and other non-profit organization which hire the services of employees are considered employers. 2. A foreign government, international organization or its wholly-owned instrumentality such as embassy in the Philippines, may enter into an administrative agreement with the SSS for the coverage of its Filipino employees.

LOANS Housing Loans

Housing Loan for Workers Organization Members The Direct Housing Loan Facility is designed to support the Governments Pabahay sa Bagong Siglo Program which aims to provide socialized and low-cost housing to workers who are bona fide members of duly registered and accredited workers organizations.

Housing Loan for OFWs The Apartment/Dormitory Loan Program is a lending program of the Social Security System (SSS) available thru its accredited participating financial institutions (PFIs). Drawdowns on the fund will be made by a PFI on a project-to-project basis upon submission of required documents and upon review by the Real Estate Department.

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Housing Loan for Repairs and Improvement The Direct Housing Loan Facility is designed to support the Governments Pabahay sa Bagong Siglo Program which aims to provide socialized and low-cost housing to overseas Filipino workers.

Individual Housing The Individual Housing Loan Program is a lending program of the Social Security System (SSS) established to provide funds thru SSS-accredited participating financial institutions (PFIs). Drawdowns will be done by the PFI in batches of ten applications for review by the SSS Real Estate Department.

Assumption of Mortgage Assumption of Mortgage is a lending program of the Social Security System allowing a member in good standing to assume the updated principal balance of an existing SSS housing loan.

Pari-passu The Pari-passu is a joint housing loan program of the Social Security System (SSS) and the SSS accredited participating financial institutions (PFIs) which enables a member to acquire his own house.

Housing Development Loan The Housing Development Loan is a lending program of the Social Security System (SSS) designed to support the social housing project of the government as well as to provide affordable and decent houses to all homeless SSS members.

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Corporate Housing Program The Corporate Housing Program of the Social Security System (SSS) is designed to support the governments low cost housing project, help accelerate economic activity, and promote good labor-management relations and industrial peace.

BUSINESS LOANS

Social Development Loan Facility The Social Development Loan Facility is a lending facility of the Social Security System (SSS) designed to provide long-term loan assistance for the development of facilities and establishments of institutions that provides quality education or other academic training programs and affordable medical or health care related services to the general population and to SSS members and their dependents. It also aims to support the program of the national government to attain a better distribution of educational and hospital facilities throughout the country that will be more responsive to the needs of the particular localities and their inhabitants. How can an SSS member avail himself of the loan facility? SSS member-employers may avail of the loan facility through the SSS accredited participating financial institutions (PFIs) which will on-lend the fund to eligible borrowers for financing.

Business Development Loan The Business Development Loan Facility is a lending facility of the Social Security System (SSS) designed to contribute to the nations economic growth and development by providing financial assistance to the business sector for the

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purpose of increasing productivity and enhancing potential earnings through expansion, diversification and other business development projects. It also aims to support the governments program of invigorating economic activity and providing more employment opportunities. How can an SSS member avail himself of the loan facility? SSS member-employers may avail of the loan facility through the SSS accredited participating financial institutions (PFIs) which will on-lend the fund to eligible borrowers for financing.

SULONG Program The SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth (SULONG) Program by government financial institutions (GFIs) designed to give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) greater access to short and long term funds. The program has a total fund allocation of P100 Million. The program has a total fund allocation of P100 million.

BENEFITS Employees Compensation What is the Employees' Compensation Program? The Employees Compensation (EC) program aims to assist workers who suffer workconnected sickness or injury resulting in disability or death. The benefits under the EC program may be enjoyed simultaneously with benefits under the social security program effective June 1984.

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Who are covered under the EC program? All SSS-registered employers and their employees are compulsorily covered under the program. Employers and employees registered in the SSS need not register again under EC.

How much is the monthly EC contribution? Only the employer is required to remit monthly EC contributions on behalf of the employees, equivalent to one per cent of the employees monthly salary credit. The required contribution under the current rate is P10.

How long is an employer obliged to pay for the EC contributions of his employee? For as long as the employee works for him/her employer is obliged to pay EC contributions. The obligation of the employer ceases when an employee is separated from employment or, if the employee dies during employment. When a covered employee becomes disabled during employment, the employers obligation to pay the monthly contribution arising from the employment will be suspended during such months that the employee is not receiving salary or wages.

What are the benefits under the EC program? Benefits under the Employees' Compensation program include: 1. Medical services, appliances and supplies provided to the afflicted member beginning on the first day of injury or sickness, during the subsequent period of

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disability, and as the progress of recovery may require. These benefits, however, are limited to the ward services only of an accredited hospital and physician. Ward services, consist of all the services an in-patients would ordinarily receive in a hospital. 2. Rehabilitation services, consisting of medical, surgical and hospital treatment. The SSS also provides as soon as practicable, a balanced program of remedial treatment for handicapped members. 3. Income cash benefit for: a. Temporary total disability or sickness. An income cash benefit equivalent to 90 per cent of the average daily salary credit with a minimum of P10 and a maximum of P200 (effective Nov. 1, 1996).

It is payable for a period not longer than 120 consecutive days. If the injury requires more treatment, the period may be extended up to 240 days. If it persist after this period, the injury will be considered as permanent total disability.

This benefit is advanced by the employer every regular payday. The amount legally paid by the employer is reimbursed 100 per cent by the SSS in the form of cheque or thru the bank.

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b. Permanent total disability (loss of two limbs, permanent complete paralysis of two limbs, etc.). This benefit is a monthly pension paid for as long as the injured lives plus 10 per cent for each of the five dependent children beginning with the youngest and without substitution.

The monthly pension is guaranteed for five years but will be suspended if the employee is gainfully employed, recovers from permanent total disability, or fails to present himself/herself for examination at least once a year upon notice by the SSS or fails to submit a quarterly medical report certified by the attending physician as required under Section 5, Rule IV of the EC law. The minimum monthly income benefit is P2,000.

Beginning Jan. 1,1991, a permanent total disability pensioner is also given a supplemental allowance in addition to the monthly pension. This allowance will provide additional financial assistance to meet the extra needs arising from the disability. Effective May 1, 1993, the supplemental allowance is P575 a month.

Upon the death of an EC permanent total or permanent partial disability pensioner, the SSS will pay to the primary beneficiaries 100 per cent of the monthly pension. In addition, the dependents will be paid the dependents pension. If the deceased pensioner has no primary beneficiaries, the SSS will pay to the secondary beneficiaries the

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remaining balance of the five-year guaranteed period, excluding the dependents pension.

c. Permanent partial disability (such as loss of one thumb, finger, leg). A monthly pension is provided to the member equivalent to the pension for permanent total disability but limited to the number of months designated by law for a particular disability. The minimum monthly pension is P2,000.

However, if the period of permanent partial disability pension is less than a year, the benefit may be paid in lump sum.

d. Death. A monthly pension is provided to the deceased members primary beneficiaries, plus 10 per cent of such benefit for each of five dependent children, subject to some limitations. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the secondary beneficiaries are entitled to the monthly pension but not to exceed 60 months. The minimum monthly pension for the death benefit is P2,000.

Under the EC program, a funeral benefit of P10,000 will also be paid to any person who actually shouldered the burial expenses of the deceased member.

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SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Sickness What is the sickness benefit? The sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury.

How does an SSS member qualify for the sickness benefit? 1. unable to work due to sickness or injury and confined either in a hospital or at home for at least four days; 2. at least three months of contributions within the 12 month period immediately before the semester of sickness has been paid; 3. all company sick leaves with pay for the current year has been used up; 4. the employer has been notified, or, if a separated, voluntary or self-employed member, the SSS directly.

Disability What is the New Disability Program? The new SSS Disability program is a re-designed disability program that implements the revised manual of disability assessment. The new program adopts the World Health Organizations (WHO) definition of disability that states as any restriction or lack (resulting from impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

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What is the main objective of the new disability program? The re-designed program aims to ensure that the right cash benefit for disability is paid to truly deserving members.

What are the salient features of the new disability program? The re-designed disability program:

adopts the WHO definition of disability which is any restriction or lack (resulting from impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. Impairment is defined as any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function.

adopts the International Statistical Classifications of Diseases and Related Health problems Codes (ICD-10).

includes medical and functional assessments. requires annual assessment of all pensioners except those with scheduled disabilities stated under Section 13-A (f) of the SS Law.

What is the medical and functional assessment under the new disability program? Under the medical assessment, nature and degree of impairment of affected body part/system is determined through physical examination and interview supported by appropriate diagnostic tests. While, under functional assessment, the capacity of the individual to perform activities of daily living (ADL) is tested using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).

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Member should have 20% medical impairment to qualify for functional assessment.

Who is qualified for disability benefit under the new program? A member who suffers partial or total disability with at least one monthly contribution paid to the SSS prior to the semester of contingency is qualified.

What are some of the permanent partial disabilities? A complete and permanent loss or use of any of the following body parts and does not totally prevent a member from engaging in any gainful occupation one thumb one index finger one middle finger one ring finger one little finger hearing of one ear hearing of both ears sight of one eye one big toe one hand one arm one foot one leg one ear both ears

What are some of the permanent total disabilities? The following fall under permanent total disability: 1. complete loss of sight of both eyes; 2. loss of two limbs at or above the ankle or wrists; 3. permanent complete paralysis of two limbs; 4. brain injury resulting to incurable imbecility or insanity; and 5. such cases as determined and approved by the SSS

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RETIREMENT What is the retirement benefit? It is a cash benefit either in monthly pension or lump sum paid to a member who can no longer work due to old age. Who may qualify for a retirement benefit? 1. A member who is 60 years old, separated form employment or ceased to be selfemployed, and has paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement. 2. A member who is 65 years old whether employed or not and has paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement. For Underground Mineworkers: 1. Has reached the age of 55 years old and is an underground mineworker for at least 5 years (either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement but whose actual date of retirement is not earlier than March 13, 1998; separated from employment or in the case of self-employed, has ceased self-employment, and has paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement. 2. Has reached the age of 60 years old whether employed or not.

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Maternity What is the maternity benefit? The maternity benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who was unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage. What are the qualifications for entitlement to the maternity benefit? 1. She has paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage. 2. She has given the required notification of her pregnancy through her employer if employed, or to the SSS if separated, voluntary or self-employed member.

Death and Funeral What is the death benefit? It is a cash benefit either in monthly pension or lump sum paid to the beneficiaries of a deceased member. Who are the beneficiaries of a deceased member? The primary beneficiaries are the legitimate dependent spouse until the person remarries and the dependent legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted, and illegitimate children of the member who are not yet 21 years old. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the

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dependent parents shall be the secondary beneficiaries. In their absence, any other person designated by the member as beneficiary in the members record.

OTHER SERVICES Auto Debit Arrangement What is the auto-debit arrangement program? The Auto-Debit Arrangement (ADA) Program is a one-time enrollment scheme wherein your social security contributions and loan amortizations will be automatically deducted from your bank accounts (Savings Account/Current Account) every 10th of the month. With the ADA Program, paying your contribution and loan amortizations is as easy as automatic remittance from your bank account (SA/CA). What are the advantages of joining the ada? With the ADA Program, you save time, money and effort. Also, your payments are immediately posted. You no longer need to:

go to the bank or to SSS every month for your social security contributions and loan amortization payments;

fill-up so many forms; queue at the bank or at the SSS; and

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worry, for your accounts are easily and accurately recorded.

SSSNet ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) The Social Security System aims to continually enhance its delivery of services to members with the use of information technology. In achieving this task, the SSS must be able to move data and funds within and outside the organization in the fastest, most precise and cost-effective manner. It is in this light that the SSS embarked on a project to automate the transfer of data and funds as well as facilitate the members' access to SSS benefits through the SSSNet, using electronic data interchange (EDI) technology.

What is EDI? EDI is the organization-to-organization, computer-to-computer exchange of data in a standard, structured, machine readable and processable format. It is the electronic transfer of business information from one computer to another, using agreed standards to structure the data. EDI is a milestone in information exchange from established methods of computerto-computer communication such as modems, electronic mail or on-line links to a host computer.

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With EDI, the receiving computer can understand and act upon the information sent, extracting and processing such data as needed for its own company's use before sending it to a third party. This does not mean that a business needs to be highly computerized to take advantage of the EDI. With the right software and telecommunications link, EDI applications can be successfully undertaken on any type of computer from a mainframe to a laptop. What is an EDI message? An EDI message is the electronic equivalent of any group of information contained in a traditional paper business document such as name, address of sender, delivery date and terms of payment. THE EDI PROJECT The SSSNet is a full-cycle EDI solution. The initial stage of the project is focused on the Contributions process using the SSSNet Employer Contributions Program, the electronic transmission of employees' monthly contributions. The EDI Objectives

To improve the delivery of service; To provide convenience to SSS partners (banks and employers); To streamline manual operations and shorten processing and updating of employee remittances; and

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To immediately reconcile and post contributions.

SSS Flexi-Fund What is the SSS Flexi-fund? The SSS Flexi-fund is a voluntary, provident fund for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It is an additional service provided by the SSS on top of the regular OFW membership. Why do I need to join the SSS Flexi-fund Program? The SSS, through the Flexi-fund Program, provides OFWs the opportunity to set aside a part of their earnings abroad and maximize the returns on their Flexi-fund contributions. Your accumulated funds are investments for the future. It is offered as a supplement to SSS benefits, which you are entitled to as a regular OFW member, by promoting savings generation, thus serving as your additional layer of social security protection. Who may enroll in the SSS Flexi-fund? The Flexi-fund is open to all OFWs who are:

recruited in the Philippines by foreign-based employers for work abroad; having a source of income in a foreign country; or residing permanently in a foreign country.

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SSS ID The SSS is now issuing its enhanced Social Security Identification Card, which makes use of biometrics technology. The new SS ID will enable the SSS to ascertain the identity of its bearer through the card's two-dimensional bar code that will contain his electronically captured fingerprint. The fingerprint can be matched against all other fingerprints in the SSS database, assuring that benefits and loans are promptly paid out to the right person. The ID card contains a magnetic stripe that can be used together with online SSS information kiosks to enable members to know the number of their SSS contributions. It will also allow the bearer to use point-of-service technology such as automated teller machines in the future. An active SSS member with at least one monthly contribution and SSS pensioners may apply for the new SS ID by filling out and submitting an SSS Form E-6 to the nearest SSS branch that has facilities for SS ID capture.

B. Problems Identified As an organization we cannot escape from the things called problems. We cant deny the fact that problem do exist. Every organization needs to identify the problem so that solution may be given for an efficient and productive environment result. Some of the problems I encountered were:

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1. Employees are not totally computer literate. As a company whose transactions are done mostly online, this may be a problem. Some employees dont know how to do basics in computer which sometimes delays transactions. 2. Network is often offline. The company is connected online to the main office for transactions but oftentimes, the network is offline making interruption to the transactions and affects productivity. 3. Lack of computers. There were cases where trainees need to encode some documents for their tasks yet there were no available computers. Sometimes employees share only computer which causes delay in doing a job. 4. Not enough employees. This is what always clients complain about especially during deadlines of payments. Why not add additional employees? Hundreds or maybe thousands of people are coming everyday at their office and the number of employees serving the clients is not enough. Sometimes employees have two to three jobs at the same time.

C. Recommendations In order for the company to be effective and productive, they should focus on how to address the common problems encountered everyday. We were assigned in a government office which is not equipped with modernized technology gadgets or tools. As a result, tasks that could be done immediately using computers are delayed because

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the company doesnt have enough computer equipments. Interruption in ones tasks affects the employees productivity. I suggest that they need to add more computers so that no employees share the same computer and transactions could be done smoothly. Improving the computer system of the company is also recommended. Fixing it will result to more efficient performed tasks. Also they need to have a training seminar on basic computer skills for employees that are having a hard time using a computer. It will lessen the delays and add productivity to the company. Lastly, management should think about adding more employees so that they can serve their clients well. Additional employees will produce faster performance of tasks and employees can attend the needs of their clients better. Addressing these problems means management knows how to respond to the needs not only of the clients but also the needs of the employees working on the company creating a good working environment.