Jose Arnulfo Veloso, president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), was elected chairperson of the ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA), tasked with leading efforts to bolster social security systems across Southeast Asia.
"We gather at a pivotal moment when the nature of work, society and human connection is being reshaped by forces beyond our borders," Veloso said in the statement following the 41st ASSA Meetings on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
"Our mission to protect and empower the workers and families of ASEAN has never been more critical,” he added.
Veloso takes over the reins from Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn, CEO of Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund, for the 2024-25 term.
Haji Md Adfarul/Haji Maz Adanan of Brunei’s Employees Trust Fund will serve as the new vice chairperson, while GSIS Senior Vice President Joseph Philip Andres takes on the role of secretary general, replacing Balqais Yusoff.
The ASSA, a non-governmental organization, focuses on fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices among social security institutions in the 10 ASEAN member states.
This year’s meeting saw 19 member institutions recognized for outstanding achievements. Philippine agencies secured five awards: GSIS received the Innovation Recognition Award for its Ginhawa for All housing program (Lease with Option to Buy).
The Social Security System (SSS) earned the Innovation Recognition Award for its Contribution Subsidy Provider Program and the Communication Recognition Award for its "Uswag!: A TV Program on SSS". The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) received the Service Quality Recognition Award for its Virtual Pag-IBIG.
And the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was honored with the Service Quality Recognition Award for its Konsulta Program.
The ASSA meetings, attended by over 100 delegates, provide a platform for member institutions to discuss challenges, share knowledge, and develop strategies to enhance social security protection within the ASEAN region.