The Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines, known for providing pensions and other benefits to its members, is taking steps towards promoting renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet announced on Tuesday the organization’s plan to install solar panels in its offices, starting with its Main Office in Quezon City. This initiative is in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028, which emphasizes the need to lower energy costs and promote renewable energy sources, as outlined in Executive Order No. 14 issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on January 27, 2023.
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The SSS aims to have a pilot implementation of the solar panel installation project in its Main Office, where 445 solar panels with a combined capacity of 200 kilowatt-peak (kWp) will be installed. Upon completion, the SSS estimates that the project will generate an average of around 18,872 kilowatt-hours per month, resulting in a monthly savings of P200,798.08 and a reduction of 9.57 tons of carbon footprint, equivalent to planting 57.4 trees, demonstrating the SSS’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The SSS also plans to explore the installation of solar panels in its branches nationwide, particularly in areas that experience frequent power outages and higher costs of electric power. This initiative aligns with the SSS’s efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources.
Macasaet emphasized that the SSS is dedicated to providing meaningful social security protection to its members and their families while also advocating for environmental protection. The organization has implemented various eco-friendly and cost-effective measures in the past, such as digitalizing its processes through online portals like My.SSS and SSS Mobile App, which not only provide convenience to members but also reduce carbon footprint through paperless processing and green procurement practices.
As the SSS continues to pursue its mission of delivering reliable social security services, it recognizes the importance of addressing environmental concerns and promoting renewable energy. The installation of solar panels in its offices is a step towards achieving its sustainability goals while also contributing to the Philippine government’s efforts to lower energy costs and promote renewable energy sources. The SSS remains committed to prudent spending, operational efficiency, and minimizing its environmental impact as it continues to serve and protect the interests of its members and their families.
