BAPTC hosts SSS and PhilHealth Orientation and Forum for Personnel

Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) hosted an orientation and forum on Social Security
System (SSS) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for its employees at the BAPTC
Spot 1 Function Hall in BSU Strawberry Fields, La Trinidad, Benguet, on March 14, 2024.
The event, titled “SSS & PhilHealth Orientation on Compensation and Other Obligations,” aimed
to provide BAPTC personnel with a comprehensive understanding of their entitlements and
responsibilities as members and beneficiaries. It was attended by 45 participants including immersion
students of Tublay School of Home Industries (TSHI) and interns from King’s College of the Philippines
(KCP).
SSS and PhilHealth are vital government agencies in the Philippines. SSS offers benefits such as
sickness, maternity, disability, and retirement benefits, funded by contributions from employees and
employers. PhilHealth, on the other hand, covers medical services, including inpatient, outpatient, and
emergency care, funded through monthly premiums. Together, they support employees and their
families by offering financial assistance during times of need and ensuring access to essential healthcare
services.
Led by experts from both agencies, the orientation covered various topics including PhilHealth
and Universal Healthcare discussed by Ms. Aeriel Jessica Abiasen and Ms. Jernie Benis, PhilHealth
Benguet Staff and SSS benefits and privileges by Rudy Limmayog, SSS Benguet Accounts Management
Section Head with Jizzel Pa-ayen, Junior Specialist.
“We should not perceive insurance as additional expenses but as investment for future needs,”
says Limmayog as he introduces how SSS works.
“It is essential for us employees to take part of these insurance services because we never know
what the future holds. We can be strong and healthy now but can get sick in the future. At least in some
ways we can avail of the benefits for our daily necessities and maintenance medicines when we are
already retirees,” expresses Atty. Andres Arnold W. Lampacan, General Manager at BAPTC during his
opening remarks.
“The limited knowledge that we had was widened and I am positive that all personnel who
attended the orientation found clarity in their queries and verification. We shall ensure that all
personnel will be members of the insurances to benefit from the services when needed,” added Mildred
A. Licangan, BAPTC Human Resource (HR) Officer II.
“For me, contributing for this insurance would really help in the future because I’ve seen others
enjoy the benefits of membership. However, we do hope that we can receive pension as early as 50 so
that we can enjoy it while we are still strong,” reiterates Soriano Saguco, Electrician at the General
Services Unit.
Overall, participants actively participated in interactive discussions and question-and-answer
sessions, allowing the resource speakers to address specific queries and concerns regarding the
processes and requirements for availing the aforementioned benefits, including when, how, and who
should avail of them. – Isabel Patangan Payangdo