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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider SSS eyes September launch of solar loan program for members

SSS eyes September launch of solar loan program for members

Published May 22, 2026 03:21 pm
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)

Social Security System (SSS) is preparing to launch an energy sustainability loan program in September to help qualified members finance residential solar panel systems amid elevated electricity costs.

In a statement on Friday, May 22, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the upcoming loan program will allow qualified SSS members with a mandatory provident fund account to avail themselves of financing for residential solar panel systems, payable for up to seven years.
The mandatory provident fund program is a compulsory retirement savings scheme covering SSS members contributing to the regular SSS program with a monthly salary credit (MSC) above ₱20,000.
SSS aims to support at least 100,000 homes by 2028 through the initiative, which seeks to help households manage rising electricity costs while promoting long-term energy sustainability.
De Claro said the initiative reflects the evolving role of SSS, the state-run pension fund for private-sector workers, in responding not only to traditional social security concerns, but also to emerging economic pressures affecting Filipino households.

“[SSS’] strong financial performance in 2025 has strengthened its capacity to expand member assistance programs and accelerate reforms aimed at improving service delivery,” de Claro added.

Last year, SSS posted a net income of ₱142.97 billion, while its reserve fund surpassed the ₱1-trillion mark for the first time in its history.

“Our strong financial position allows us to invest directly in better services, new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and programs that will improve the experience of our members,” de Claro said.
According to de Claro, SSS continues to strengthen frontline services, simplify processes, and modernize systems to better respond to member concerns.

“As one of the country’s largest public service institutions, SSS recognizes that every transaction affects the daily lives of our members. We continue to improve our systems, processes, and frontline services because faster and more responsive government service is not only an operational goal, but a public responsibility,” according to de Claro.

A similar solar financing initiative was earlier launched by Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the state-run pension fund for government employees.

GSIS said in a separate statement last Thursday, May 21, that its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan program, which opened for applications last March 25 following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national energy emergency under Executive Order (EO) No. 110, disbursed ₱890 million during its first week of operations.

Related Tags

Social Security System (SSS) Robert Joseph M. de Claro solar solar panels Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) state of national energy emergency Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.
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