USTP Balubal, SSS empower graduates with early access to social security benefits
By Bernalyn Grace C. Alvarez, Head of Academic Affairs, USTP Balubal
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In a major step toward ensuring the career readiness and social protection of its upcoming graduates, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Balubal, Misamis Oriental (USTP Balubal) successfully conducted a comprehensive Social Security System (SSS) registration initiative on May 29, 2026. The event marked a milestone for the campus, culminating in the complete and successful SSS registration of 83 graduating students across three academic programs.The initiative follows a formal proposal from the SSS Mindanao North Division, led by Vice President Benigno Dagani, Jr., who previously sought institutional backing from USTP University System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II. The program aims to integrate social security enrollment into pre-employment preparation pathways, ensuring that students enter the workforce fully equipped with both academic credentials and formal social security coverage.
The localized implementation at USTP Balubal was spearheaded by Dr. Bernalyn Grace C. Alvarez, Academic Head of USTP Balubal, and Mr. Mark Anthony Bactong, Head of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). To ensure a seamless, student-friendly registration process, the university partnered directly with technical experts from the SSS Cagayan de Oro branch. Ms. Niña Queen S. Tuyan (SSS CDO Jr. Analyst) and Ma. Cherryl L. Maglasang (SSS CDO Sr. Analyst) were on-site to facilitate the enrollment activities, process documents, and conduct orientation sessions for the graduating class.
Through this coordinated effort, the university offices and SSS personnel transformed a standard administrative requirement into an impactful onboarding session, guiding all 83 students successfully into the system.
With their registrations officially finalized, the 83 graduating students have achieved a critical pre-employment milestone. An SSS membership is a standard requirement for employment across both the public and private sectors in the Philippines.
“Early registration with SSS is a critical stepping stone for our students as they transition from academic life into employment, entrepreneurship, or freelance opportunities,” the campus leadership noted. “By building their contribution records now, we are giving them a head start on long-term financial security.”
Beyond merely checking off a hiring requirement, early enrollment grants these soon-to-be professionals’ immediate access to vital safety nets, including sickness, maternity, disability, and retirement benefits under existing laws. The successful rollout at USTP Balubal stands as a model for university-wide implementation, proving that strategic institutional partnerships can directly accelerate the readiness, protection, and overall welfare of the country’s future workforce.
