21 September 2012 – The Social Security System (SSS) launched its new office in Dubai in a simple ceremony at the Consulate General’s POLO-OWWA premises with no less than SSS President and CEO Emilio S. de Quiros Jr. heading the opening today. Officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Consulate General in Dubai, POLO-OWWA Dubai, the Filipino Community Governing Council, representatives of various organizations, and members of the media were in attendance.
In her welcome address, H.E. Grace Relucio-Princesa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, said it was an important day since it will be a start for Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to avail of social security provided by SSS. She also encouraged those present to spread this good news so the whole community in UAE would know and, therefore, start securing their future.
De Quiros, who used to be EVP of Bank of the Philippine Islands and President of Ayala Life, expressed his happiness that SSS is finally opening an office in Dubai where a lot of Filipinos work and live. He also shared the good news that SSS has recently signed agreements with Denmark and Portugal so Filipinos could have the opportunity to receive their social security benefits once back in the Philippines.
Judy Frances A. See, SVP Account Management Group and Head of International Operations provided updates on SSS programs and services. She said that the goal of SSS is to bring back the status of SSS funds to perpetuity which requires contribution rate of 14% per 2007 valuation.
During the open forum, those in attendance took the chance to ask questions and clarify issues pertaining to their contributions and benefits.
In his closing remark, Vice Consul Edwin Mendoza extended the Consulate General’s appreciation to this SSS project as this will surely benefit the Filipino community in Dubai and Northern Emirates. He also presented de Quiros a token from the PCG the book “Father of Dubai – Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum”.
Aside from Dubai, SSS is also reopening its office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. SSS has now 15 offices in 11 countries with Middle East a home for 7 offices – Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Kuwait, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai