Abbey M.

QUEZON CITY — The Social Security System has officially launched the MySSS Card, a dual-function card that serves as both a valid government-issued identification and a fully operational debit card linked to a savings account.

The launch was made in response to a September 8, 2025 directive by Department of Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission ex-officio Chair Ralph G. Recto, calling for faster service delivery to SSS members and pensioners.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said the MySSS Card replaces the long-standing Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card. 

The card is equipped with an EMV chip and is integrated with the Philippine Identification System eVerify and biometric authentication for secure and convenient transactions.

Once a member obtains the card, their benefits, loan proceeds, and other SSS payouts are automatically credited to the linked savings account, removing the need for a separate enrollment process. The card can also be used for everyday transactions including shopping, public transport payments, and online purchases.

De Claro said the card is issued exclusively through SSS partner banks. 

RCBC, through its digital platform DiskarTech, serves as the first implementing partner, with Asia United Bank, China Bank, and Union Bank of the Philippines set to join the program in subsequent rollouts.

Card delivery is expected within 15 working days for Metro Manila residents and 20 working days for those in the provinces.

The MySSS Card is open to all SSS members, pensioners, individual claimants, beneficiaries, and representative payees with a permanent SSS number, an active 

My.SSS Portal account with updated contact details, and a registration with the Philippine Statistics Authority under the National ID system. Applications are filed online through the My.SSS Member Portal.

Existing UMID cards remain valid.

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Filipino millennials and Gen Z workers are facing a growing work-life balance crisis, with recent studies pointing to high burnout rates, long working hours, and commuting as major factors affecting their well-being.

According to the Deloitte 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 70% of Filipino Gen Zs and 63% of millennials report feeling burned out due to heavy workloads — far above global averages of roughly 45% and 40%. 

Deloitte noted that young Filipino professionals face rapid inflation, a high cost of living, and limited access to mental health services, making them especially vulnerable to disengagement.

MindNation's 2024 Well-Being Survey of over 13,000 respondents found that stress among Filipino workers rose from 57% in 2022 to 72% in 2024, while feelings of sadness increased from 34% to 50% over the same period. 

The commute adds another layer of strain. 

Metro Manila employees spend an average of two to three hours in traffic each way, with most needing an additional hour to prepare and queue for public transport. 

A 2026 Asia Pacific Workplace Study by Colliers Philippines found that 80% of employees cite commute time and transport challenges as the top factor influencing their decision to return to the office. 

On job priorities, almost 7 out of 10 Filipino employees prioritize stability and work-life balance when choosing a job and are more likely to stay with employers that offer flexible or work-from-home arrangements, according to a JobStreet survey of over 6,000 Filipino workers. 

Aon's 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study further found that 64% of Filipino employees are considering changing employers within the next year.

Despite these figures, the Jobstreet by SEEK 2025 Workplace Happiness Index found that 77% of Filipino employees describe themselves as either "somewhat happy" or "extremely happy" at work, placing the Philippines second in Asia-Pacific for workplace happiness. 

The findings reflect shifting workplace priorities, particularly among younger employees who increasingly value healthier work environments and long-term career growth alongside financial stability.

For Filo millennials and Gen Z, the issue goes beyond statistics. 

It is about a generation navigating rising costs of living, unpredictable job markets, and a transport system that has yet to catch up with the demands of a growing workforce. 

Many are left to choose between career advancement and personal well-being — a trade-off that no worker should have to make. 

As burnout rates continue to climb and job-switching intentions rise, the message from the country's youngest workers is becoming harder to ignore: sustainable work is not a privilege. It is a basic expectation.

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Back-to-back powerful quakes level buildings in Caracas; acting president Delcy Rodriguez declares state of emergency

CARACAS — Two strong earthquakes — magnitude 7.2 and the other 7.5  struck Venezuela within a minute of each other on Wednesday, sending people fleeing outdoors in the capital Caracas, with emergency crews digging through the rubble of collapsed buildings into the evening.

The magnitude 7.2 foreshock struck near San Felipe, the capital of Yaracuy state, just after 6:04 PM ET. 40 seconds later, it was followed by the larger 7.5-magnitude mainshock, some 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare, also in Yaracuy state. 

The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. 

State of emergency declared

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, as nearly two dozen aftershocks also shook the country. Rodriguez extended her condolences to the families of those killed. She did not specify the number of fatalities.

Security forces were deployed across Venezuela to respond to emergencies given the risk of "many structures" collapsing, according to the Ministry of Communication and Information. 

Widespread destruction

Interior Minister Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states, adding that the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas had "alarming situations" with collapsed homes and buildings. He urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage weakened structures. 

"We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most," Cabello said. 

"Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed." 

Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone signal. Collapsed buildings, toppled electric poles, and debris blocked streets. People evacuated swaying buildings and remained outside for hours, many visibly in shock as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. 

The quakes were also felt in Colombia's Caribbean and northeastern regions, though there were no reports of damage or injuries there. Buildings in Manaus, Belém, and Macapá in Brazil's Amazon were evacuated as well. 

Meanwhile, the USGS issued two separate red alerts through its PAGER system, a level it historically issues only once or twice a year. 

"Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Past red alerts have required a national or international response," the USGS alert read. 

A police officer in the Chacao municipality of Caracas warned that it was too soon to release any figures on deaths or injuries. The exact casualty toll remains unknown as search and rescue operations are ongoing. 

The National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and coasts within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. The warning was subsequently canceled. There is no ongoing tsunami threat, according to the US Tsunami Warning Centers. 

Information blackout

Venezuela has one of the most restricted media landscapes in the world, ranked 159 out of 180 on the Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index, making it difficult for residents and concerned relatives abroad to obtain accurate information about the damage and casualties. 

Exiled opposition leader Edmundo González said the internet blackout compounded the disaster. "Venezuelans from outside cannot know if their families are well. Those inside don't understand the magnitude of what happened. Uncertainty becomes another layer of anguish," González said. 

A public holiday turned tragic

Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck, celebrating a public holiday commemorating an 1821 military victory that helped secure the country's independence from Spain. 

Search and rescue operations are ongoing. 

Authorities have not yet released an official casualty count. Updates are expected as emergency teams gain access to the worst-affected areas.

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MANILA — A potential act of violence at Tolosa National High School in Leyte was prevented after authorities acted swiftly on a tip relayed through Senator Bam Aquino, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed on June 25, Thursday.

Remulla said they received information from Senator Aquino the previous night about a threat to shoot or stab someone inside the school. The threat had been posted on social media.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) immediately launched an investigation, which led them to a 14-year-old female student identified as the source of the threat.

According to the secretary, the student was found to be experiencing problems at home. 

Authorities also noted that she is an avid player of the online game "Gorebox."

No injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.

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The Department of Education (DepEd) has released guidelines aimed at maintaining safe and orderly schools across the country, emphasizing that the effort requires cooperation among schools, families, communities, and the government.

For schools, stricter policies have already been put in place, including ID policies and identification protocols, a visitation management system, regular inspection and monitoring, strict school security procedures, and coordination with local government units and the police.

Parents and communities, meanwhile, are encouraged to support students by checking in on their emotional well-being, listening to their fears and concerns, reminding them that there are adults they can turn to, and immediately reporting any threats of danger within the school.

For students, DepEd reminded that they are not alone and may approach their teacher, guidance counselor, school head, parents, or any trusted adult for help.

To ensure safe and orderly schools, DepEd said it will continue to strengthen youth protection through measures to address bullying and violence prevention programs, mental health and psychosocial support, coordination with LGUs, the police, and partner agencies, and regular review and improvement of school safety systems.

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