SSS La Union named as quality workplace champion
In Photo: Social Security System (SSS) La Union Branch Head Francisco Pentecostes (7th from left) receives the Certificate of Recognition and cash incentive as his branch office won the SSS Quality Workplace Champion for medium branch/office category during the recent awarding ceremony in Quezon City. Joining them are former SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (11th from left), Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (5th from left), members of the Social Security Commission, and SSS executives. SSS File Photo
The Social Security System (SSS) in La Union emerged as this year’s SSS Quality Workplace Champion for medium-sized branch/office category, setting high standards in service delivery and innovation practices for the benefit of its members, pensioners and employers.
“In SSS La Union, quality is not just a standard – it is a way of life.” This was the opening remarks of SSS La Union Branch Head Francisco Pentecostes after accepting the award as the top quality workplace achiever in their category.
Pentecostes said that SSS La Union has embraced the concept of Quality Workplace for more than a decade now, where excellence is woven into every aspect of their operations.
Now, SSS La Union is a two-time quality workplace champion, winning its first award in 2019.
The SSS Quality Workplace Achievers Award recognizes the SSS units that consistently implement the Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, or popularly known as the 5S Principles.
Originating from the Japanese organization methods, 5S Principles aim to create structured and efficient operations that lead to a better productivity and safety. It fosters innovation in service delivery practices, thereby promoting a sustainable culture of a quality workplace.
During the selection process, SSS La Union showcased its transformation into the first digital branch in Northern Luzon, which has since more efficiently processed Social Security (SS) Number applications and disbursement account enrollments.
The branch office allotted a QR Code Corner that provided members with direct access to feedback forms and information materials necessary for membership guidelines and instructions for benefit applications. For better client experience, SSS La Union also created a separate lounge for members, pensioners, and lactating mothers with free beverages.
Aside from innovative practices, Pentecostes cited the customer satisfaction awards received by SSS La Union from different government agencies such as the Department of Health’s Palbayani Award for being a mother-baby friendly agency, Department of Energy’s Energy Conservation Awards for the SSS branch’s cost saving efforts, and the yearly International Standard Organization (ISO) accreditation.
“Outside of our workplace, we extended our services to the community through our own corporate social responsibility initiatives. One of which is the Adopt a School Program wherein we donated school supplies to Parparya Elementary School students in San Fernando City, La Union,” said Pentecostes. (PR)
