FSMSSA Administrator joins Leadership Conference in Pollap

FSM Social Security Administrator participated in the Northwest Leadership Conference in Pollap, Chuuk on April 9-11, 2018. Present at the conference were Congress Speaker Simina, Congressman Robson U. Romolow (representative of Northwest Islands), traditional and government leaders of Chuuk State. Administrator Narruhn was invited by Speaker Simina to participate in the event, whereas, a presentation on Social Security matters was presented. Administrator Narruhn presented on the types of benefits offered, which included Retirement, Disability, Spouse and Children, Lump Sum and Foreigners. The processes for each claim were as well presented as well as eligibility criteria on each certain type of benefit. Questions and concerns were raised from the public regards to claim processing and other uncertainties including the number of beneficiaries benefiting from the system as up to date. Currently, FSMSSA is serving 6,640 plus beneficiaries.

 

FSM Social Security hosting Administrator’s Conference

The unity conference between 3 Social Security Administrations, namely FSMSSA, ROPSSA, ROPCSPP and MISSA took place in Pohnpei on May 17-18, 2018. Present at the conference were MISSA reps including Administrator Saane Aho, Deputy Administrator & COO Bill Joseph, IT Manager Jr. Joseph and Amelia Timon, Finance Manager. ROPSSA was represented by its Information System Specialist Mr. Jonathan U. Eberdong and Mr. Elliot Udui from the Palau Civil Service Pension Plan (CSPP). FSMSSA Administrator Alexander R. Narruhn and Deputy Francky Ilai were both present along with other staff including Internal Auditor Win Thomas, Tax Admin. Officer Catherine Jonas, IT Manager Midion Neth Jr., Pohnpei Branch Manager Leon Panuelo Jr., Claim Officer Kerman Alten, Comptroller Teresita Dayao, and Executive Assistant Luan Laverne Gilmete. At its onset, Chairman of FSMSSA Board of Trustees Mr. Jack Harris conveyed the welcoming remarks by welcoming everyone and shared the happy day’s greetings to everyone present, then guided the conference to proceed. Following self introductions, the first presentation was given by FSMSSA Deputy focusing on the system’s operations and financial status, even specifically to all its functions serving its beneficiaries and all citizens of the FSM. Exchange of ideas and discussions of unclear business took place as well. When there seemed to be misunderstandings, questions were then raised and exchange of ideas was done. Following FSMSSA was the presentation from ROP, Civil Service Pension Plan (CSPP) delivered by Mr. Udui. As mentioned, the CSPP is a defined benefit program and membership of the plan refers to Palauans and Micronesians who are employed by the National and State Government. In place of a Social Security plan in Palau, they also have this pension plan. No difference than the other Social Security pensions, requirements seemed to be similar. The last presentation for the day was given by the MISSA Administrator Saane Aho sharing almost the same topics from previous presentation along with theirs system’s struggles and hardships. Discussion on their reforms and experience studies was shared as well as its results. There was then another discussion and exchange of ideas on management and so on. Conference was back in session and was opened with the Database Migration presentation given by ROPSSA rep, IT Manager Jonathan. The presentation was focused on the new database migration, that both MISSA and FSMSSA were interested going the same path, when ROPSSA has completed their project. It was obvious that the database migration is being worked on by ROPSSA, so the presentation was to help promote the positivity and handful of the new database compared to what is being used now. With the agreement being made between the two Social Security Administrators, when ROPSSA is completed with their migration project in March, training should take place and there will be sharing for the cost as well. ROPSSA would be migrating to the new database by March 2019, so by then they would be ready to show, and have FSMSSA and MISSA hook up. Until then, training for the new Database shall be ready, as the migrated system will be in place. A round table discussion took place after the presentation where they exchanged questions and answers regarding the Database Migration. All ended with an understanding of what was being discussed. Last presentation of the day was on Investments, delivered by Mr. Ross Fowler, CEO, fi360 Pacific, who assists with the Assessment for FSMSSA Portfolio. Mr. Fowler advised all Social Security Programs on how to assess themselves for improvements. All representatives from MISSA, FSMSSA, ROPCSPP came to an agreement that next meeting/conference should be held in Palau, after the Migration of new Database. It was quite clear why Palau should be the next host following the idea that by that time, the Database should be up and running and it could be a good chance for MISSA and FSMSSA to actually see the completed system while in Palau.

 

FSMSSA selects Mr. Jimmy Mori as Chuuk Branch Manager

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The position of Chuuk Branch Manager was vacant beginning of June 2018 due to the retirement of previous Manager, Mr. Domingko Asor. After a careful selection done by FSMSSA administration, Mr. Jimmy Mori was fortunate to be the individual that best suits the position. His qualifications and especially experience of work in the field of Social Security terms exceeds, leading him to become the new Branch Manager. Mr. Mori was hired at Chuuk Branch Social Security office on November 19, 2001, as the Technical Specialist. He was tasked to be the Assistant Branch Manager for a while until he became the Branch Manager on June 18, 2018. Jimmy had shown dedication and effort in his line of work ever since he began serving the system. With all that, all was paid off that he is now the new Chuuk Branch Manager. Jimmy is a very outgoing and caring person with a personality that shines among his family, friends and colleagues. He has a heart to serve the elders of the FSM, especially the beneficiaries of Social Security. FSMSSA congratulates new Chuuk Branch Manager, Mr. Jimmy Mori.

 

Chuuk State Branch Manager Domingko Asor retires in 2018

Domingko Asor served FSM Social Security Administration as Branch Manager for Chuuk Branch Office over 6 years. He began working for the program on February 13, 2012. Upon reaching age 65 in June of 2018, Mr. Asor is now retired and no longer serving the FSM Social Security Administration. With 6 years of service, Mr. Asor showed loyalty and dedication in his line of work as the Branch Manager in years. He opted to manage Chuuk Branch office with care and served the people of Chuuk as satisfactory defines. The struggles of a Manager were not easy, yet he managed to serve until his retirement. FSMSSA wishes to convey humble gratitude to Mr. Asor for all the dedicated services contributed to the program and all the people of Chuuk over the past 6 years. Mr. Asor remains part of the program still, as he is now a full time beneficiary to be receiving monthly benefits.