With national athletes getting ready for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, more benefits are coming their way.
The Social Security System will now provide financial assistance to meet their many needs.
This is possible after Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William I. Ramirez and Social Security System President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora Ignacio formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement yesterday
Ramirez considered the agreement as historical and significant following a signing ceremony that was held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“This is historical, that SSS is partnering with us for the first time for our national athletes. Maraming kaming national athletes na sumikat. Iyung iba, namatay na lang. Iyung iba, nasa ospital. Walang ganitong benepisyo. Malaking bagay ang ganito,” said Ramirez.
The PSC chief recalled the case of retired boxer Leopoldo Serrantes. When he got sick the PSC had to go the extra mile to help him.
Under the agreement, the PSC will assign personnel who will act as their liaison to the SSS.
National athletes, coaches and trainers will be covered under the agreement, and since they are not regularly employed, they will be registered as self-employed members of the PSC.
Their monthly contributions will be automatically deducted from their allowances.
“Na-realize ng mga government agencies, at lalo na ng Presidente (Duterte) na di sila nabibigyan ng kaukulang proteksyon. Kasi, matagalan na panahon na rin silang nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa,” said Ignacio.
Commissioners including Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey, Commissioner Celia Kiram and Commissioner Arnold Agustin were with Ramirez and Ignacio, along with with SSS NCR Operations Group Senior Vice President Jose B. Bautista and SSS Concurrent Acting Senior Vice President Antonio S. Argabioso.
There are around 1,180 national athletes from 58 national sports associations (NSA) who are being supported by the PSC.
