Camotes businesses face SSS compliance crackdown

CEBU, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) has moved to enforce stricter compliance across Camotes Island, Cebu, targeting 12 business establishments in San Francisco and Poro for failing to fulfill their statutory obligations under the Social Security Act of 2018.

The campaign, led by SSS Acting Vice President for Visayas Central 1 Division Eric A. Coronado, forms part of the agency’s Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) program.

Notices of violation were issued to the non-compliant establishments, with the SSS pressing for immediate rectification to secure the welfare of 45 registered employees.

“As tourism fuels economic momentum in Camotes Island, the SSS is stepping in to ensure that social protection keeps pace with growth,” Coronado said.

Preliminary findings show that most of the violators operate within the island’s food and leisure sector—businesses that have been in operation for an average of five years and collectively employ over 40 workers.

The broader Camotes area hosts 111 registered employers across its four municipalities, covering a total workforce of 714.

Coronado underscored the need for greater accountability within the island’s hospitality-driven economy, saying the RACE campaign aims to “promote responsible business practices and ensure sustained operations with adequate protection for member-employees.”

In parallel with enforcement, the SSS extended mobile services to the island through its E-Wheels program.

Over 100 residents from Barangay Consuelo and surrounding areas in San Francisco availed themselves of services such as account verifications, records updating, and digital access support including password resets.

“Our two-day deployment saved residents the cost and inconvenience of traveling to SSS offices in Poro or Danao City,” Coronado noted.

Camotes Island, located roughly 75 kilometers east of Cebu City, is composed of the municipalities of Poro, San Francisco, Tudela, and Pilar. Its growing tourism and service economy has drawn increased scrutiny from regulators aiming to safeguard worker welfare in emerging tourism destinations.