Over 2,000 Batanes LGU workers are now SSS members under the KaSSSangga Collect Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Social Security System (SSS) said that over 2,000 job order (JO) workers of the Provincial Local Government (PLGU) of Batanes will now have social security protection under the KaSSSangga Collect Program (KCP) after Batanes becomes the newest implementer of the program.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet and Batanes Governor Marilou H. Cayco inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that allows the provincial government’s JO workers to get social security coverage from SSS under the KCP.


“This only shows SSS is committed to its mandate of expanding social security protection and services to all working Filipinos up to the last mile provinces in the Philippines like Batanes,” Macasaet said.


Macasaet explained that under the KCP, PLGU’s JO workers will be registered as SSS self-employed members. At the same time, PLGU Batanes will serve as the SSS collecting partner, who shall collect the contributions of the JO workers through a salary deduction scheme and remit them to the SSS.


“The timely remittance of monthly premiums will ensure that JO workers are qualified to avail of SSS benefits and loan privileges in times of emergencies,” Macasaet said.


He explained that JO workers, as self-employed members, could avail of SSS benefits like sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral. “They can also avail of loan privileges such as salary and calamity loans.”


In addition to SSS benefits, he added that they are entitled to receive Employees’ Compensation (EC) benefits in case of work-connected sickness, injury, or death.

New Protocols for Acne Scar Treatment Promise Precise and Consistent Results

New protocols for acne scars offer precise, individualised treatment for better results. Sozo Aesthetic Clinic provides solutions that transform skin health and boost self-confidence.

Acne scars have long been a challenging issue for those seeking clear, smooth skin. These scars, often the remnants of severe acne, can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. Traditional treatments have varied in effectiveness, leading many to learn to live with these marks. However, recent protocols to treat acne scars are set to change this narrative.

Acne scars come in various forms, including rolling, boxcars, and icepick scars. Each type of scar presents different challenges, requiring targeted approaches for effective treatment. Historically, a one-size-fits-all method has often failed to deliver the desired results, leaving patients disheartened. The updated protocols now offer a more precise and individualised treatment plan, significantly improving outcomes.

The key to this lies in the comprehensive array of lasers and procedures now available. These tools are meticulously chosen to address the specific needs of each type of acne scar, ensuring optimal results for every patient.

These protocols are set to make waves in the dermatological community as soon as possible. They represent a significant leap forward, providing solutions that many believed were out of reach. This development not only addresses the physical appearance of scars but also offers a considerable boost in confidence and quality of life for patients.

"Say goodbye to your acne scars!" — resonates as a powerful statement reflecting the potential of these new treatments. By targeting the root of the problem with precision, patients no longer need to feel burdened by their scars, which extend beyond the physical. The ability to significantly improve these scars offers an emotional and psychological uplift, enhancing overall well-being. Instead, they can look forward to clearer skin and a renewed sense of self-assurance. It is possible for acne scar improvements even up to 90%!

Sozo Aesthetic Clinic provides effective acne scar treatments that include various advanced methods, such as lasers, radiofrequency microneedling, chemical peels, TCA CROSS, and subcision with dermal fillers.

Laser treatments like Fractional CO2, Fraxel Dual, Pico lasers, and Pulse-dye lasers use focused light beams to break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing scar visibility.

Moreover, technologies like INFINI (radiofrequency microneedling) combines microneedling and RF energy to enhance collagen and elastin production, while chemical peels and TCA CROSS target overactive sebaceous glands and ice-pick scars. Subcision with dermal fillers releases fibrous tissue beneath the skin, and fillers elevate and even out depressions. Each treatment offers different benefits that a patient can look forward to.

For more information, visit Sozo Aesthetic Clinic at 1 Raffles Place #05-12/13, One Raffles Place (Shopping Mall), Singapore 048616. They can also be reached at ask@sozoclinic.sg or contact 6935 1811 and via WhatsApp at 9610 5102.

About Sozo Aesthetic Clinic

Sozo Aesthetic Clinic is a Medical Aesthetics & Hair Clinic with forward-thinking experts who embrace new technology to improve patient outcomes. Sozo is one of the earliest clinic in Singapore and South-East Asia to offer Lutronic’s PicoPlus, a multi-wavelength Picosecond laser, experts in Regenera Activa – regenerative medicine’s answer to hair loss. And offers one of the most comprehensive range of Acne Scar treatments in the region.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Premium European Delicacies from Greece and Latvia Celebrate Resounding Success at MIFB Malaysia 202

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [31 July 2024, Wednesday] – For Immediate Release

The Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) 2024 saw a triumphant debut for premium Greek and Latvian foods, marking a significant milestone in the "Premium European Products" campaign. The event, which took place from 17-19 July 2024, provided a vibrant platform for these exquisite European delicacies, garnering enthusiastic responses from attendees and industry leaders alike.

Exceptional Reception at MIFB 2024

The "Premium European Products" campaign, led by the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC), captivated the audience at MIFB with an impressive showcase of value-added products. Visitors to Hall 6 Stand 6609 were treated to a sensory journey through Greece and Latvia, sampling a wide array of PDO olive oils, table olives, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheese, gum products from Greece, and premium dairy products, candied fruits, chocolates, confectionery, and salty snacks from Latvia.

Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) Praise European Excellence

The campaign's success was further amplified by the participation of prominent Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) from the Malaysian food and beverage industry. These influencers highlighted the unparalleled quality and rich heritage of the showcased products through an engaging content and tasting session. Their endorsements played a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and appeal of the premium European products among Malaysian consumers.

B2B Dinners Foster Valuable Business Connections

In addition to the public showcase, the campaign organized an exclusive B2B dinner, facilitating meaningful interactions between European producers and Malaysian business leaders. These dinners provided an intimate setting for in-depth discussions on potential collaborations, distribution opportunities, and market expansion strategies. The successful engagements during these dinners underscored the strong interest and demand for high-quality European food products in the Southeast Asian market.

Celebrating the Essence of European Quality

The “Premium European Products” campaign embodies the European Union’s unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and animal welfare. The EU's stringent regulations on pesticide use, hygiene standards, and animal husbandry practices ensure that these products not only meet but exceed global quality benchmarks. This dedication to excellence was evident in every product showcased at MIFB 2024, reinforcing consumer confidence and trust in the EU quality label.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons in Southeast Asia

The positive reception at MIFB Malaysia 2024 marks a promising start for the "Information Provision and Promotion Measures on Agricultural Products in S. Korea, Malaysia, and Canada" program, which aims to elevate awareness, recognition, and consumption of premium European products in the Southeast Asian market. Running until 31 December 2026, this program is set to drive significant export growth and solidify the presence of European delicacies in the region.

Join the Journey of European Culinary Excellence

ETHEAS and LDC extend their heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, partners, and KOLs who contributed to the success of the campaign at MIFB 2024. The overwhelming response and enthusiasm from the Malaysian market signal a bright future for premium European products. Stay tuned for more exciting events and initiatives as we continue to celebrate and share the finest flavors of Greece and Latvia with the world.

For more information about the "Premium European Products" campaign, please visit:  https://premiumeuropeanproducts.eu/ or email us to info@premiumeuropeanproducts.eu.

Pages dedicated to this program can be found on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, @premiumeuropeanproducts.

Notes to Editor

About National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS)

Founded by Greece's leading cooperatives and established by Greek law, ETHEAS is the national coordinating body of Agricultural Cooperatives in Greece. With over 300 member cooperatives representing approximately 80% of Greece's total agricultural cooperative turnover, ETHEAS aims to foster rural and cooperative development, support and promote its members' activities domestically and internationally, provide expert opinions on cooperative movement agricultural production and sector development, supervise the dissemination and promotion of cooperative ideas, and serve and educate its members through studies, research projects, and assignments.

About Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC)

Established in 1995, the Central Union of Latvian Milk Manufacturers ("Latvijas Piensaimnieku Centrālā Savienība") unites milk producers and focuses on protecting their interests. As a cooperative society with 17 members producing about 80% of Latvia's industrial milk, LDC advocates for milk manufacturers, ensures the sustainable development of the dairy sector, and represents the collective interests of its members.

About Terroir and Spice

Malaysia Representative Agency for Etheas and LDC.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES