SSS Mobile App Redesigned

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he latest iteration of the SSS (Social Security System) Mobile app offers new design features that make its user interface easier to navigate for members and employers.

SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the redesigned SSS Mobile App features a new look and feel to make it more user-friendly and to provide a better user experience to members and employers.

The SSS chief explained that the pension fund considered the user behavior and engagement with the mobile app in developing the SSS Mobile app version 4.0. “It magnifies our commitment to better serve mobile app users by continuously incorporating the latest in mobile technology,” she added.

Among the new features in SSS Mobile 4.0 is the redesigned dashboard, which now features information on the enrolled disbursement account of the member and direct links to official SSS accounts on Facebook and YouTube.

SSS also made improvements on the branch locator feature. With the innovative design, users can search for any SSS branch, and the mobile app will pin the exact location of the SSS branch using the Google Map for Android and Huawei Petal Maps for smartphone users. Thumbnails containing the address and contact details of the branches are also displayed on the locator map.

The improved dashboard of the mobile app also enables users to access transactional information and features sliding ad links of SSS informational campaigns. Users can navigate through the mobile app even using just one hand.

“Aside from the My.SSS web portal, SSS Mobile app is our top online facility that caters to millions of transactions from members and employers. We

recognize that mobile technology is continuously improving, and that is why we keep our mobile app abreast with the latest development to serve our users better,” Ignacio added.

Ignacio pointed out that digital technology is the new norm to provide easier and safer access to services and transactions, especially during this pandemic. “That is why SSS embraces the latest technological developments to make its programs and services available to members, pensioners, and other stakeholders 24/7,” she added.

“Our members and employers can use the SSS Mobile app for many SSS transactions. For instance, members can use the mobile app to update contact information details such as their mailing address, email address, and mobile number or view the status of contributions, loans, and benefit claims. They can also use it to file their salary loan application, generate the Payment Reference Number for contribution payment, pay their monthly contributions, submit their maternity notification, among others,” Ignacio explained.

Ignacio added that even employers can now use the SSS Mobile app for their SSS transactions. For example, employers can update their contact information (R8), such as email addresses and contact numbers. They can also view the enrolled bank information and the status of the contribution and loan payments. Employers can use the mobile app to generate the PRN for contribution payments and check the SSS and contributions to the Employees’ Compensation (EC) program. The mobile app also allows employers to file their sickness and maternity reimbursement claims. Members and employers with existing SSS Mobile app on their devices can go to the app store and click the update button. Look for Version 4.0.0 in the Google Play store and Version 4.0.1 in Huawei AppGallery. If the update button is not available, app users need to uninstall the previous version and install the latest one. The new SSS Mobile app is not yet available on the iOS App Store.

As of April 2021, the SSS Mobile app has 8,194,799 downloads on Google Play Store and 5,325,143 on Huawei AppGallery. Downloads on the iOS App Store reached 1,052,214. It is the second most downloaded free app in the productivity category on Google Play Store. At the same time, it ranks fourth in the finance category on the Huawei AppGallery, and the utilities category on iOS App Store.

Launched in 2018, the SSS Mobile app is designed to provide a more convenient way for members to transact with the state pension fund without the hassle of queuing in the branches. It was initially developed for members and was expanded for the use of memberemployers in December 2020. Since its launch, the SSS Mobile App has facilitated an average of 85,000 transactions daily.

For more information, follow the official SSS social media accounts on Facebook and YouTube at “Philippine Social Security System,” Instagram at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join the Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

ANDROID EARTHQUAKE ALERTS SYSTEM

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oogle launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System in the Philippines. It is a free, helpful Android feature that detects earthquakes around the world and alerts people.

The system uses accelerometers in active Android smartphones to detect seismic activities. It alerts people in two ways — via Search and directly on the Android mobile device itself.

The system provides near-instant information to Google Search. When people look up “earthquake” or “earthquake near me,” they will find relevant results, along with helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake. On the other hand, the Android device notification provides an early warning alert when accelerometers detect an earthquake in an area. It sends a signal to Google’s earthquake detection server, along with a coarse location of where the shaking occurred. The server then takes this information from many phones to analyze if an earthquake is happening, where it is, and its corresponding magnitude. People who do not wish to receive these alerts can turn it off in device settings.

On mobile devices, the Android Earthquake Alerts System displays two types of alerts, depending on the magnitude and intensity of the earthquake.

Be Aware alerts people when earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 occur, or an intensity level of 3 or 4 on the MMI scale. The notification is sent along with the distance of the earthquake’s epicenter. The alert uses the phone’s current volume, vibration, and Do Not Disturb settings.

Take Action is a full-screen alert for earthquakes with a magnitude higher than 4.5, or an intensity level of 5 and above on the MMI scale. To help people prepare for potential heavy shaking, full-screen instructions are shown and the phone plays a loud sound. “Launching the Android Earthquake Alerts System in the Philippines is part of our mission to bring helpful products and services to Filipinos. Our country, being located in the pacific ring of fire, is prone to natural calamities and this update will play an important role in disaster preparedness and risk reduction,” said Bernadette Nacario, Google Philippines country director.

“Our smartphones are indispensable in moments of crisis. We believe Android devices can help people be prepared and stay connected in times of need. We will continue to partner with the government, public safety officials, and leading crisis response experts to better surface relevant information in times of adversities,” Nacario added.

The Android Earthquake Alerts System was first introduced in New Zealand and Greece. It is available now in more countries including Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Philippines, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

To check on your Android device if the alerts are on, simply go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake Alerts.