SSS honors Filipinos abroad through Global Kabayan Day

The Social Security System brought its 69th anniversary celebration closer to Filipinos overseas through the 2026 SSS Global Kabayan Day held from 12 to 14 September at the Department of Migrant Workers-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration OFW Global Center in Hong Kong.

Carrying the anniversary theme “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado,” the three-day event gave overseas Filipino workers, pensioners, community leaders and other Filipinos in Hong Kong access to information and assistance on SSS programs and services.

The activity was held with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, led by Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Consul Von Ryan Ferrera and Labor Attaché Cesar Chavez Jr., as well as other Philippine government offices, Filipino community organizations and SSS partner institutions.

The event opened on 12 September with a town hall meeting where Filipino community leaders and members of the media received updates on SSS programs and raised concerns directly with officials.

On behalf of SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph de Claro, Vice President for Asia, Americas and Pacific Operations Division Paul Erik Manalo presented an overview of SSS services.

Vice President for Member Relations and Support Division Marissa Mapalo, meanwhile, discussed the agency’s latest programs.

“Our OFWs continue to contribute to their families, communities, and the country, even while working far from home. As their social security institution, SSS must also be there for them wherever they are,” Manalo said.

“We want our members abroad to know that their SSS remains accessible to them. Through activities like the Global Kabayan Day, we are able to bring our services closer, provide timely information, and listen directly to their concerns,” he added.

The program also provided onsite assistance to OFWs applying for the MySSS Card.

SSS foreign representatives assisted members with applications, while the Philippine Statistics Authority helped with National ID registration and verification, a requirement for securing a MySSS Card.

Partner financial institutions Asia United Bank and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. also provided onsite assistance.

The main Global Kabayan Day program on 13 September highlighted the experiences and contributions of OFWs and SSS pensioners.

Around 30 SSS pensioners residing in Hong Kong were recognized for their years of membership and contributions, with some sharing their experiences with the social security program.

The event also included the signing of memoranda of understanding between SSS and Global Alliance Hong Kong and between SSS and Diwa’t Kabayan Society to strengthen ties with Filipino community organizations.

Onsite services continued on 14 September, allowing OFWs and other Filipinos in Hong Kong to seek assistance with MySSS Card applications and other SSS concerns.

The 2026 Global Kabayan Day formed part of the SSS’ 69th anniversary celebration and marked the first time its annual OFW Day and Pensioners’ Day activities were combined in an overseas setting.

Hong Kong and Barcelona served as the inaugural international venues for the initiative.