The government is ramping up efforts to ensure long-term financial protection for low-income Filipinos, particularly the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), through the rollout of the “4Ps AlkanSSSya Program,” a joint project between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Social Security System (SSS).

Formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in July 2024, the program provides low-cost social insurance for 4Ps beneficiaries, belonging to informal sector groups and Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs), enabling them to become socially protected against life’s risks such as sickness, disability, unemployment, old age, retirement, death, and maternity.

On March 25, the AlkanSSYA Program was launched in Rosario, La Union, by the DSWD Field Office I – Ilocos Region, bringing hope to 4Ps beneficiaries in the area. 

A total of 47 members of the Tabtabungao 4Ps United Associations became the first participant-beneficiaries of the initiative in the province. 

“Under the program, 4Ps beneficiaries are encouraged to start saving through small but regular contributions—whether daily or weekly—which will be consolidated and paid as their SSS contributions,” 4Ps National Program Manager and Director Gemma B. Gabuya said. 

The contribution can be done through the organized groups of 4Ps beneficiaries, such as SLPAs, where members pool their savings before remitting them to the SSS.

Director Gabuya added, “The initiative highlights that building savings does not require large amounts at the start. Rather, it emphasizes discipline and consistency as key steps toward becoming ‘future-ready’ families.”

Prior to its rollout in La Union, the program was also introduced in Metro Manila in May 2025, with one organized group composed of 32 members already registered.

The “4Ps AlkanSSSya Program” stems from the MOA signing between DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and former SSS President and SSS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rolando Macasaet, which formalized the provision of accessible and affordable social security coverage tailored to the financial capacity of 4Ps beneficiaries.

“Through this partnership, beneficiaries may enroll as voluntary SSS members and gain access to social insurance benefits such as retirement, disability, sickness, maternity, funeral, and death benefits,” the 4Ps National Program Manager emphasized.

The program also introduces a customized contribution scheme based on actuarial studies and the paying capacity of beneficiaries, with monthly contributions not exceeding Php 760 as of 2025.

As part of its nationwide scale-up, the DSWD is set to expand the rollout of the program this year to Regions II, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), VIII, and X.

“These areas are identified to have a high number of organized 4Ps groups, in which the 4Ps AlkanSSSya program can be implemented,” Director Gabuya pointed out.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the 4Ps by promoting financial inclusion and ensuring that beneficiaries remain protected even after they graduate from the program.

With over three million family beneficiaries nationwide, the 4Ps continues to evolve beyond cash assistance, which now paves the way for beneficiaries to become future SSS pensioners and achieve greater financial independence. – Niño Mel Hayno Trinidad with report and photos from Field Office I