SSS signs MOA with BOC Region IX for social security coverage of Job Order, Contract of Service workers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Social Security System (SSS) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Region IX in Zamboanga City to implement the KaSSSangga Collect Program for the social security coverage and protection of 16 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers.

Under the agreement, the SSS shall register BOC’s JO and COS workers as SSS self-employed members while BOC shall remit their monthly contributions through an automatic salary deduction scheme to qualify them for benefits and privileges under the Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) Programs.


Photo shows SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (3rd from left) shaking hands with BOC Region IX Acting Chief for Administrative Division Lelisa R. Gaceta (4th from left), as they are joined by (from left to right) SSS Senior Vice President for Mindanao Operations Group Edwin M. Alo, SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas, and BOC Client Service Representative – Port of Zamboanga Sheiry Anne M. Abdulhaih.


The MOA signing was held during the Stakeholders’ Forum at the Palacio Del Sur in Zamboanga City on November 7, 2023, and was witnessed by more than 220 participants including employer representatives, employees, informal sector workers, farmers and fisherfolks, Overseas Filipino Workers, pensioners, and other SSS beneficiaries.


In addition, the Philippine Port Authority – Port Management Office in Zamboanga City also signed a similar MOA with the SSS during the forum.

Will Mikhael's Anticipated "(I’m So) Into You" Music Video, a Visual Spectacle Crafted by FEU Digital Cinema Students in Collaboration with Universal Records

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Universal Records Inc. proudly announces the anticipated release of the official music video for "(I’m So) Into You," a soulful single by the rising Cebuano artist, Will Mikhael. Produced in collaboration with Far Eastern University (FEU) Digital Cinema students, this creative partnership promises to deliver a captivating visual narrative that harmonizes seamlessly with the artist's unique musical style.

The music video also starred by Eliah Riego, Ralf Eleosida and Eli Karl Calma promises to be a celebration of both sound and sight, showcasing the enchanting visuals and cultural richness of Binondo, Manila. This picturesque backdrop serves as the perfect complement to Will Mikhael's distinctive sound, creating an immersive experience that is bound to resonate with audiences.

In a groundbreaking display of collaboration, the students from FEU and Will Mikhael unite their raw talents and skills, highlighting the immense potential for synergy between up-and-coming musical artists and aspiring filmmakers within the industry.

Led by the director Axl Edison, the creative force behind Salimbayan Films, this collaborative effort brings together a talented ensemble. Jameil Adal serves as Assistant Director, Paolo Navarro as Producer and Production Manager, Kai Noval as Director of Photography, Jomz Caagbay and Kiara Ricamara as Production Designers, Anriane Sablan and Dheyleen Cruz as Wardrobe, Trisha See and Dharra Manalo as Hair and Make-up Artists, Mariel Maga as Script Continuity, Chariz Dudas as Editor, Ethan Bardaje as Layout Artist, Clark Montalban and Yuan Liangco as Camera Operators and Gaffer, Ashley Reyes as Location Manager, and Jimwel Tablante as Production Assistant.

Under the creative supervision of Jerome Vargas, alongside Will Mikhael’s manager Anj Abad and UR Label representative Dan Eligado, this collaborative venture underscores the potential for extraordinary outcomes when diverse talents unite.

The highly anticipated official music video for "(I’m So) Into You" is set to be unleashed on December 21, promising a visual feast that mirrors the dynamic fusion of musical artistry and the creative prowess of budding filmmakers. Brace yourselves for a compelling journey that transcends musical and visual boundaries, brought to you by the collaborative spirit of Will Mikhael, FEU Digital Cinema students, and Universal Records Inc.

MPT South Gears Up for 2023 Holiday Traffic Surge on CAVITEX and CALAX

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), is gearing up for the anticipated surge in traffic on the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), including its C5 Link segment, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) as the holiday shopping and travel season enters full swing. 

From the third to the last week of December 2023, the toll road company anticipates a 15% to 20% surge in traffic for CAVITEX, primarily from motorists in Cavite heading to Manila. 

The average daily traffic count is projected to increase to 208,000 vehicles, up from the current 181,000. Meanwhile, for CALAX, MPT South expects a significant 35% increase in traffic, rising to 47,000 from last year’s 35,000 figures. This surge is attributed to travelers from Manila going to Tagaytay and nearby cities and municipalities via the recently opened Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, providing motorists with quicker access to tourist destinations. 

With this, MPT South will be placed on 'high-alert' status and reinforce "Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko", a motorist assistance program mobilized during holiday peaks across its high-speed road networks, starting 6AM of December 22 to 6AM of December 24, 2023; 6AM of December 26 to 6AM of December 27, 2023; and from 6AM of December 30, 2023 to 6AM of January 2, 2024. This program includes additional on-ground manpower for services like traffic management and toll collection, standby emergency medical services, and incident response teams. Motorist assistance is also accessible through 24/7 Customer Service Centers, a 24/7 Customer Care Hotline at 1-35000, and 24/7 social media channels (Facebook: fb.com/cavitexpressway, fb.com/OfficialCALAX, Twitter: twitter.com/caviteXpressway, twitter.com/OfficialCALAX) to ensure stress-free journey. 

As part of the SMSK program, free towing for CLASS 1 vehicles up to the nearest exit will be provided during the period. 

"As we gear up to ensure a safe and smooth journey for our motorists this holiday season, we advise everyone to plan their trips and check their vehicle's health to avoid untoward incidents. We also encourage our motorists to take advantage of using their Easytrip RFID for quicker toll transactions, and even stand a chance to win in our MPTC’s Happy Holideals promo if they reload their account via MPT DriveHub App,” said, Mr. Raul Ignacio, MPT South President and General Manager.

The MPT DriveHub app provides users with convenient access to a range of Easytrip and CCLEX RFID services. With just a few taps on their phones, users can reload in real-time, check their balances, plan routes, and receive assistance in roadside emergencies.

MPTC 2024 HAPPY HOLIDEALS

MPTC earlier announced the comeback of its Happy Holideals Promo as a way of giving back to its motorists with an extensive promo period from December 8, 2023- March 7, 2024.

Motorists passing through any MPTC toll road at least 4x during the promo period stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including brand-new Chevrolet Tracker LS, Php 50,000, and Php 100,000. Two winners of brand-new Chevrolet Tracker LS, 40 winners of Php 50,000, and 10 winners of Php 100,000 will be selected during the promo period.

To earn points, motorists must download and link their RFID account to MPT DriveHub App.

For every reload of Php 200.00 via the app, motorists also earn an additional point. Each point is equivalent to one raffle entry. For full promo mechanics, visit https://www.mptdrivehub.com.ph/promos/holideals. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-179965 Series of 2023.

MPTC is the biggest toll road developer and operator in the country. Aside from the CALAXand CAVITEX network of toll roads, MPTC’s domestic portfolio includes the concessions forthe North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector Road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.