05/06/2026
๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ก ๐ก๐ข๐ช ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐๐: ๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ช๐๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ร๐ข๐ฆ, ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐จ๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐ง๐ข ๐ง๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ | A major milestone in public service delivery unfolded in Basilan as the Social Security System (SSS) formally inaugurated and blessed the newly restored SSS Basilan Branch at the NFK Building in Sunrise, Isabela City on June 5, marking its official transition from a sub-office into a full-fledged branch capable of delivering expanded and more responsive services to thousands of members across the province.
Leading the inauguration was SSS Basilan Branch Manager Marnellie Tupay Pastorfide, together with SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes De Claro and senior officials from the SSS Central Office, including Atty. Antonio S. Argabioso, Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector; Dr. Lilani Benedian, Senior Vice President for the Mindanao Operations Group; Atty. Alberto Montalbo, Senior Vice President for the Visayas Operations Group; Ms. Vilma Agapito, Senior Vice President for the Luzon Operations Group; Atty. Benjamin Jr. Dolindo, Senior Vice President for the NCR Operations Group; Ms. Colette Cordial, Vice President for Management Planning and Services Division; and Atty. Jomar Catabay, Vice President for Internal Audit Division.
Joining the occasion were Governor Mujiv Hataman, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, represented by City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, together with Basilan Board Member Amin Hataman, Isabela City Councilor Ameen Camlian, local government officials, stakeholders, and members of the community who witnessed the historic event.
For years, many Basileรฑos relied on the limited services available through a sub-office setup. With its conversion into a full-fledged branch, SSS Basilan now possesses greater operational capacity and enhanced capability to serve members more efficiently, bringing a wider range of frontline services closer to the communities that need them most.
Governor Hataman expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships between national government agencies and local government units in improving public service delivery and expanding opportunities for the people.
The upgraded branch is expected to provide comprehensive services, including membership registration, contribution collection, benefit claims, pension processing, salary and calamity loans, employer services, compliance programs, and other social security transactions, significantly reducing the need for residents to travel outside the province.
The City Government of Isabela welcomed this important development and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national government agencies in delivering efficient, responsive, and people-centered public services. The reopening of the SSS Basilan Branch further strengthens Isabela Cityโs position as a center of government services, commerce, and development in the province, ensuring that opportunities and essential services remain within reach of every Basileรฑo. (Words by MA Lim | Photos by M. Santos, CIO)