EX-GSIS CHIEF MACASAET TAKES THE HELM OF SSS
Rolando Macasaet, a veteran of both public and private enterprises, is now the new president and chief executive of the Social Security System (SSS) after a six-month interlude from leading the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Also, Malacanang announced new appointees to the board of directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), including acting president and CEO Michael de Jesus.
Macasaet brings with him four years of experience as GSIS president and general manager which lasted until July 2022 when the new administration took over and President Marcos appointed veteran banker Arnulfo Veloso as his successor at the pension fund for state workers.
In a turnover ceremony held on Jan. 10, Macasaet assured SSS officials and employees that under his leadership, the agency would continue the reforms and innovations started by his predecessor, Michael Regino in order to provide better social services to workers and pensioners.
“I will continue with the path of growth started by ... Regino and explore new ways for the benefit of members, pensioners, and other stakeholders,” Macasaet said.
“We have to work doubly hard so we could provide our current members and pensioners what is just and due to them without putting in jeopardy the financial protection of current members and future pensioners,” he added.
In the nine months under Regino’s leadership, the SSS rolled out programs such as the flexible contribution payment schedule for farmers and fishermen, the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program, the Consolidation of Past Due Short-Term Member Loans with Condonation of Penalty, Contribution Penalty Condonation Programs for business and household employers, and the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program Plus.
Track record
Before joining SSS, Macasaet served in various leadership capacity in several government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) from 1988 to 2005, such as the Philippine National Construction Corp., Dasmariñas Industrial Steel Corp., Skyway Corp. and Tierra Factors Corp.
Also, Macasaet has more than two decades of professional experience in financial services, banking and public-private partnerships, most of it under the Philippine National Bank. He also served as a board member of companies such as San Miguel Corp., Bank of Commerce, Private Infrastructure and Development Corp. and PCI Bank.
Meanwhile, De Jesus—who retired as executive vice president and head of corporate banking of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in June 2019— joined the DBP board as acting member along with three other new appointees. These are Emmeline David, Jaime Paz and Maria Lourdes Arcenas.
De Jesus succeeded Emmanuel Herbosa, who was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte as DBP head in March 2019.