SSS ties up with PSA to provide simpler, seamless delivery of services

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The Social Security System (SSS) has taken the lead as the pioneer government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) to forge a partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for the integration of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) with the SSS.

To mark the occasion, SSS and PSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the partnership towards the seamless implementation of PhilSys-enabled services in SSS.


“The adoption of PhilSys will open many opportunities in improving the delivery of our services, including our digital transactions, and in providing all Filipinos better access to social security protection,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.


Macasaet added he looks forward to the positive impact of the partnership that will benefit SSS members and stakeholders not only in the Philippines but also across the globe.


Under the MOU, SSS and PSA will work jointly and share information and resources to achieve the objectives of PhilSys, particularly the simplification of public transactions and the implementation of a seamless service delivery system. Moreover, the partnership will delve into exploring various applications of PhilSys within the SSS and identify other opportunities for joint projects and programs.


Among the projects that have been identified, which are expected to be implemented within the third quarter of 2023, is the use of PhilSys authentication services and the PhilID/ePhilID for strengthened verification of members transacting online thru the My.SSS Portal and ensuring uniqueness checks for the issuance of a new SSS ATM Pay Card.


PSA Undersecretary, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis S. Mapa expressed his confidence in the partnership that will broaden the transition to digital, online citizen-centric delivery of services to Filipinos.

The PhilSys, established through Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to provide valid proof of identity for all citizens and resident aliens in the Philippines to promote ease of doing business for both the government and private sectors and accelerate the country’s transition into a digital economy, among other benefits.

Amid looming El Niño, UP-led research highlights need for marine science

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From mangroves to coral reefs, research from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) was at the forefront of recent discussions on the future fate of the country’s marine systems and the people who depend on them.

Marine scientists from the UPD-CS presented over 100 papers at the recent PAMS 17, held under the theme, "Saving Our Seas: Restoring Marine Systems for People and Nature." (PHOTO CREDIT: UPD-CS Marine Science Institute)

Over 100 research papers from MSI scientists were presented at the 17th National Symposium on Marine Science, which was held from July 20 to 22 in Batangas City under the theme, "Saving Our Seas: Restoring Marine Systems for People and Nature." It was sponsored by the Philippine Association of Marine Science (PAMS).

Dubbed simply as PAMS 17, the national symposium follows closely on the heels of the World Meteorological Organization’s warning that global sea surface temperatures hit all-time record highs in June. The extensive scope of the UP researchers’ work underscores the importance of marine science in national security and nation building.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Gil Jacinto, who retired from the MSI in 2020, highlighted the importance of the country’s researchers in his speech, "Philippine Marine Science: Navigating the Ocean Decade towards 2030."

“Symposiums like PAMS give UP MSI an opportunity to share results and best practices to other researchers,” said MSI Deputy Director for Research Dr. Deo Florence Onda. “The discussions allow us to build on what we already know, help others progress in their own work, and learn from feedback on how to improve further.“

“Moreover, PAMS strengthens camaraderie, widens networks, and facilitates future collaborations,” he added.

For more information on the PAMS 17 symposium, including a list of MSI studies presented, please see their online news or visit their website at https://www.msi.upd.edu.ph/

DepEd to feature Larong Pinoy, Para-Games, weightlifting, other exhibition games in Palaro 2023 in Marikina

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Emphasizing the essence of culture and sports, the Department of Education (DepEd) will feature Indigenous Filipino Games, also known as “Laro ng Lahi,” anew as an exhibition sport in the upcoming 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City.

With the theme “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag,” DepEd will conduct Kadang-kadang, Tumbang Preso, and Patintero on July 28 as part of the Palarong Pambansa, which is set for a comeback after its forced cancellation for three years due to the pandemic.

The inclusion of Larong Pinoy in the multi-sport event aims to promote, preserve, and propagate the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions and ensure that the new generation will experience and help revive traditional Pinoy games.

The said indigenous games will also instill teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, friendship, and discipline, among Filipino youth and help improve their physical, emotional, and mental health.

According to a DepEd Memorandum No. 35, s. 2023, all regions must choose ten members from their delegation to participate in the Palaro indigenous games.

Aside from Indigenous Filipino Games, Cheerdance, Weightlifting, and Obstacle Course will also be included for exhibition, while Dancesports and Pencak Silat will be featured as demonstration sports in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

In addition, separate events for learners-athletes with Intellectual Disability (ID), visually impaired (VI), and orthopedically handicapped/amputee (OH) under Special Education (SPED) classes, such as Para-Athletics, Para-Swimming, Bocce, and Goalball, will also be conducted.

Around 1,573 medals are at stake in Regular Sports, Para-Games, and Demo Sports in this year’s Palaro.

“Laro ng Lahi” was first introduced at the 62nd Palarong Pambansa in 2019, where the Department’s officials and personnel participated in playing Kadang-kadang, Patintero, Hilahang-lubid and Karera ng Sako.