01 June 2026, VANCOUVER, CANADA – On 01 June 2026, Philippine Social Security System (SSS) Commissioner Roy G. Padiernos, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Desiree De Guzman Padiernos, Global Director of Marketing for Astoria Vacation and Leisure Club Inc., paid a courtesy call on Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. Appointed to the Social Security Commission on July 31, 2025, Commissioner Padiernos represents the Employers’ Group and chairs the Coverage and Contributions Oversight Committee.
During the meeting, Consul General Jamoralin noted the contributions of Vancouver PCG’s SSS Office, headed by Mr. Darwin Soria, to the promotion of the welfare of Filipinos overseas through enrolling new members and providing information about social security benefits. She shared that the Consulate is supporting the SSS office to expand his outreach by inviting SSS representatives to provide information during dual citizenship oath-taking ceremonies and Filipino community events. The Consul General also discussed a joint financial literacy seminar being organized by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Vancouver, the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), and the SSS this coming August as part of the Post's post-arrival orientation program.
Consul General Jamoralin emphasized that the SSS has unlimited potential for growth by tapping into private sector employees and overseas Filipinos worldwide. In response, Commissioner Padiernos revealed that overseas Filipinos currently account for only 5% of total SSS contributors, highlighting a major market for expansion. He noted that while macroeconomic shocks like the Middle East oil crisis have caused a slight dip in overall fund contributions, this is well-compensated for by a continuous influx of new enrollees. Both officials agreed to pursue deeper cooperation to better serve the social security needs of the Filipino community in British Columbia and the Yukon. END
Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (second from left) receives Philippine Social Security System (SSS) Commissioner Roy G. Padiernos (third from left) and his wife Mrs. Desiree De Guzman Padiernos at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. With them is Consul Andre Peter C. Estanislao (fourth from left). [Photo: Vancouver PCG]