THE Social Security System (SSS) is optimistic reaching four to five million new members by yearend.
This after the pension fund recorded a historic high of three million new members from January to September, more than double the number of new members recorded during the same period last year.
SSS attributed this feat to the intensified membership drives initiated by its president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet, who has stepped down from his post effective October 6.
The drives extended social security coverage to all, including those in remote areas.
Macasaet launched initiatives to bring services closer to grassroots communities and implemented programs benefiting SSS employees nationwide.
SSS typically averages around one million new members annually in previous years.
For just the first half of 2024, the pension fund already doubled that number.
Macasaet, who has been the head of SSS since Jan. 5, 2023, was also vice chairperson of the Social Security Commission, the SSS’ policy-making body.
