The Social Security System (SSS) is amplifying its grassroots engagement and expanding its digital services through the Barangay and Other Offsite E-Centres Online Services Training (B.O.O.S.T.) programme. This initiative aims to strengthen the digital delivery of SSS services, especially in Laguna.
The programme promotes electronic service centres (e-Centres) in various municipalities, empowering local officials to assist residents in accessing the My.SSS portal for various services, such as member registration, contribution tracking, loan status, and benefit applications.
Key Details of the B.O.O.S.T. Programme Rollout
Led by the SSS Santa Cruz, Laguna branch, the B.O.O.S.T. programme was recently launched in Mabitac, Famy, Siniloan, and Santa Maria.
Its primary goal is to equip barangay leaders with the necessary skills to navigate SSS’s digital platforms. This empowerment enables them to assist the local population in accessing critical services easily and efficiently.
Advancing Digital Transformation in South Luzon
The Vice President of South Luzon 1 Division, Engineer Edwin Igharas, emphasized the program’s role in the SSS digital transformation.
He explained that the training was a part of a larger modernization effort designed to ensure that no member is excluded from the benefits of digital service access.
“The B.O.O.S.T. programme is designed to provide barangay officials with practical knowledge of digital tools, so they can help their constituents utilize SSS services with ease,” Igharas explained.
The South Luzon 1 Division, which covers Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon, serves approximately 1.35 million SSS members. With digital transactions increasing, the program is seeing great success—over half a million digital transactions have been recorded.
Igharas noted that the actual number of transactions might be even higher, as each member account can facilitate multiple interactions.
“We want to encourage even more members to explore our online services to avoid the long queues and save valuable time,” Igharas added.
E-Centres: A Step Towards Bridging the Digital Divide
In addition to training, the SSS is pushing for the establishment of e-Centres—service hubs located within barangay halls.
These centres will be equipped with essential resources such as internet-enabled computers, reliable internet access, and trained barangay personnel.
The aim is to ensure that remote or underserved communities with limited access to digital infrastructure can still benefit from the SSS’s online services.
“We are entering an era where digital access is as crucial as physical presence,” Igharas said. “By establishing barangay-based e-Centres, we can bring our services directly to the communities, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to our branches.”
Expanding Access to Government Services
The e-Centres are not just for SSS services but are also seen as potential digital access points for other government services.
This initiative has the potential to create one-stop government hubs, making it easier for citizens to access a wide range of public services from various agencies.
By partnering with other government departments, barangays could evolve into central locations for public service delivery, offering access to information, applications, and services that were previously only available at regional offices.
Positive Reception from Local Officials
Local officials have welcomed the initiative. Leo Poldo Gallardo, a barangay councilor from Bagong Pook in Santa Maria, highlighted the program’s benefits for the community.
“This training is really helpful. It allows us to bring this knowledge to our barangay and work with SSS to make sure more people understand how to access their benefits online. It saves time and simplifies the whole process,” Gallardo said.
Beyond technical training, the B.O.O.S.T. programme fosters community empowerment by boosting digital confidence in local leaders.
This not only allows officials to assist in digital transactions but also helps promote digital literacy within the community, encouraging more residents to engage with online services.
A Partnership for Digital Growth
The SSS’s collaboration with barangay officials underscores the importance of community involvement in public service delivery.
By partnering with local leaders, the program leverages digital innovation while strengthening the relationship between national institutions and local governments.
The SSS is now planning to expand the B.O.O.S.T. programme to more municipalities across the province, while continuing to support barangays in establishing their e-Centres.
The B.O.O.S.T. programme reflects the SSS’s commitment to improving service accessibility and efficiency by embracing digital tools and partnerships.
By equipping local officials with the necessary digital skills and creating barangay-based e-Centres, SSS is making strides toward a more inclusive, accessible, and efficient social protection system for all.
FAQs
What is the B.O.O.S.T. programme?
The B.O.O.S.T. programme is an initiative by SSS to train barangay officials in using digital platforms for delivering services such as registration, contribution inquiries, loan status, and benefit applications.
How will e-Centres benefit local communities?
E-Centres are service hubs located within barangay halls, providing digital access to SSS services. This helps remote communities and reduces the need for residents to travel to branches.
What is the goal of the B.O.O.S.T. programme?
The main goal of the B.O.O.S.T. programme is to enhance digital literacy among barangay leaders so they can assist their communities in accessing SSS services online efficiently.