FSM Social Security hosting Administrator’s Conference

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.