13 -14 October 2026
In line with Benguet State University’s commitment to promote employee welfare and ensure benefit awareness, the Compensation, Benefits and Other Obligations Office (CBOO) conducted a hybrid orientation on Sweldo, Benepisyo, Obligasyon (SBO) mo Series V – ALIGN: Agency-Linked Integration and Growth Network at the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center Hall.
The hybrid orientation gathered partner agencies from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, Social Security Service (SSS), LandBank, BSU Community and Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BSUCMPC), China Bank Savings, and the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) Savings Bank to share their programs, services, benefits, and responsibilities.
Attended by newly hired permanent and casual employees, the activity aimed to enhance awareness of social protection, health, and financial benefits and help employees maximize the services available to them.
VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of responsible personal financial management, resource utilization, and prioritizing saving over borrowing for future expenses. She emphasized the value of distinguishing between needs and wants, growing what you have rather than mortgaging your future through loans and high interest, and building a secure future fund.
Pablo also quoted Dave Ramsey: “Money multiplies effectively when it is managed properly, but of course, it disappears rapidly when it is neglected.”
Following the message, CBOO Head Susan Ocasen-Buasen provided the overview of the activity. She explained that it served as an orientation program for new and interested employees to bridge information gaps and ask direct updates from partner institutions.
The morning session of the first day started with a presentation by Rosunnie D. Perlas of BSP about the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) program, a voluntary, tax-advantaged, and flexible retirement program designed to supplement retirement savings allowing flexible payment amounts and schedules.
Maria Corazon C. Esteban, Acting Staff Officer III, and Janet B. Carap, Staff Officer I, both from GSIS Baguio City Branch then shared the programs, benefits, and latest updates on GSIS.
Esteban presented the mandate and coverage, contribution rate, benefits and services of GSIS, while Carap discussed loans and Ginhawa services.
The afternoon session continued with the PhilHealth orientation by Jessica Aeriel B. Abiasen who explained the benefits, membership categories, dependents, and contribution packages that can be availed through the insurance.
Lorrayne Dyze B. Macasieb and Rachel S. Petero also presented the background, services, requirements, and membership benefits of the BSUCMPC to prospective members.
On the second day, Christine Marie P. Cendaña and Rosalie Maria Rachel C. Castañeto from SSS highlighted how the agency provides extensive financial security and benefits that cover a person “from womb to tomb”—protecting members through various life stages, including sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, and death. They urged members to regularly check and update their records, utilize the SSS online portal for tracking contributions and transactions, and understand the specific qualifications and filing periods for both short-term and long-term benefits.
Land Bank representative Johnny S. Bulawan followed with the overview of Land Bank services and emphasized awareness and prevention regarding online scams, warning clients to never share their One-Time Passwords (OTPs), click suspicious links from unverified text messages or social media messages.
Bulawan also discussed how to use Land Bank’s digital tools safely, including features like the iAccess mobile app, fund transfers, and cardless ATM withdrawals.
Finally, Kathleen Kaye Dupo from Pag-IBIG discussed the Enhanced MP2 Savings Program, highlighting flexible dividend options, pre-termination rules, and increased deposit limits, as well as the Barkada Franchise Financing (BFF) Program designed to help members finance small businesses and franchises.
The two-day event concluded with closing remarks from CBOO Head Ocasen-Buasen, who expressed gratitude to all participants and partner service providers for their active engagement.//DPaydowan