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 will carry out the second to the last tranche of the Pension Reform Program for another round of pension increase. “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 of its guidelines, the micro loan program will also be implemented early in 2026. “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 8 percent per annum or 0.67percent per month,” he said. De Claro added that the agency will open Foreign Representative Offices in Madrid, San Francisco, and Macau, and establish 10 new local branches, next year. The pension fund will hire about 1,800 personnel to boost manpower resources in the frontlines. “This recruitment effort aims to address gaps in service delivery and handling of requests for assistance and various complaints,” de Claro said. Other programs being explored by SSS in 2026 include potential partnership with the National Commission of Senior Citizens for the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program, special programs for gig economy workers, and contribution subsidy program for 2,000 Overseas Filipino Workers through P28.8-M commitment from Double Dragon Corporation.