MANILA, Philippines — The leadership of the Social Security System (SSS) announced on Saturday that it has set various programs up for implementation in 2026 primarily aimed at benefiting its millions of members nationwide. “We look forward to 2026 where we continue implementing existing programs while developing new ones and strengthening member servicing as well as expanding footprint of SSS nationwide and abroad,” SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said. By September next year, de Claro said the agency would carry out the second to the last tranche of the Pension Reform Program for another round of increase for all pensioners. “Also available for 2026 is the Emergency Loan Program up to Dec. 9, 2026 or until the calamity declaration is lifted,” he said. Following the approval by the Social Security Commission of its guidelines, the micro loan program will likewise see its implementation early in 2026, the SSS chief said. “With guidance from Finance Secretary Frederick Go, SSS is looking to implement this micro loan program through partner institutions very soon as a safer and affordable option to borrow cash for short-term needs with 15- to 90-day tenor and interest rate of 8percent per annum or 0.67percent per month,” he said. Ensuring that no Filipino worker is left behind, de Claro said the agency would pursue opening of local and overseas branches in 2026. SSS is looking to establish Foreign Representative Offices in Madrid, San Francisco, and Macau while looking to establish 10 new branches locally, he said. Moreover, state-pension fund is set to hire about 1,800 personnel toward completely providing manpower resources in the frontlines – be it physically or virtually through electronic means, the agency’s top official said. “This recruitment effort aims to address gaps in service delivery and handling of requests for assistance and various complaints,” de Claro said.