NAGA CITY, July 31 (PIA) – A total of 271 constituents of Barangay Concepcion Pequeña here, not to mention some pedicab drivers and bystanders listening outside the barangay’s covered court attended the 1st ever SSS Sulit Barangay forum in the region. The activity, spearheaded by the Social Security System (SSS) in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Camarines Sur Provincial office is part of the wide information dissemination campaign of SSS to ensure that all its members are informed of their benefits and privileges. SSS Naga Member Services Section CEO I Mercy B. Delfin explained to the attendees that membership is open to all residents, whether they are working, self-employed or as voluntary members. “It doesn’t matter if you are working or not, the important thing here is you are willing to pay your contributions. Don’t think of it as part of your expenses, think of your contributions as part of your investment and savings. It will not only benefit you but also your loved ones,” Delfin added. Delfin underscored the importance of raising the awareness of the members for them to appreciate the benefit of “investing” for their future. “Let us think about the future, we will all grow old. We need to prepare when calamity strikes us. All of us will need assistance. We just have to remember that SSS membership is a privilege,” Delfin said in her discussion. Delfin also informed the residents of the innovations that SSS is doing to ensure that their contributions are safely encoded under their names. “One of the improvements that we are now implementing is the issuance of the Payment Reference Number or PRN to ensure that what you give will be properly accounted under your names.” She also encouraged SSS clients to avail of the services being offered by Bayad Centers in selected malls and accredited banks for them to avoid the long queue at the SSS office. SSS Naga Acting Assistant Branch Head Jogar B. Tosoc explained that currently SSS Naga branch building is undergoing renovation to give better service and ease to their clients. SSS opened a service office at the 3rd Floor of Robinsons Naga to accommodate payments and other transactions. It will be open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (LSMacatangay-PIAV/Camarines Sur)