MINDANAO Times was recognized as one of the Social Security System’s Best Media Partners for Print in Mindanao during the Balikat ng Bayan Awards at the Fili Hotel ballroom, located within the Nustar Resort in Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City, on Sept. 17, 2025.
TIMES is one of the 12 awardees nationwide, and only four in Mindanao, representing print, broadcast, and social media. The paper’s editor-in-chief, Joel B. Escovilla, received the Plaque.
Established in 1995, Balikat ng Bayan is a way for SSS to honor partner institutions, companies, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the state-run social insurance program in fulfilling its mandate.
Apart from the 12 media awardees, the SSS also handed out awards to the Top Employers, Disbursement and Collection Partners, and the Best Partner Agent. The winners were recognized for complying with the Social Security Law regarding employee coverage, actively participating in SSS programs, and submitting reports promptly.
The awarding ceremony was even more significant since it coincided with the month-long 68th anniversary celebration of the SSS.
SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro led the celebration, along with top executives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Councilor Nyza Archival also graced the event to deliver the speech of her uncle, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.
Photo credit to SSS
