City holds pre-retirement forum

THIRTY-one Baguio City Hall employees soon-to-retire who are soon to retire participated in the Pre-Retirement Forum conducted through the Human Resource Management Office last February 15.

Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas graced the activity and told the participants that they will now enter into a new horizon of their lives so they must have to prepare.

The forum’s main objective was to inform the retirees on their benefits and on how they are going to prepare for their retirement.

Dr. Estrella Bisquera, City Human Resource Management Officer, enlightened the retirees through her topic, “Are We Ready to Retire?” She discussed the vision, right and positive attitude to have a happy life after retirement.

Republic Act 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” was explained further by Liza Balao, Social Welfare Officer III of the Social Welfare Office. She clarified the use of Senior Citizen identification cards and discounts to the participants.

Angelita Sabado, Nutrition officer and president of the Nutritionist-Dieticians’ Association of the Philippines (NDAP) CAR Chapter, specified the Do’s and Don’ts, medical recommendations and tips on how to stay young and healthy through “Graceful Ageing”.

Speakers from different government offices have discussed the retirees’ benefits. GSIS representatives: Alilee Bautista, Elton Palican and Tony Kiwas gave detailed computation and information on pensions.

PhilHealth representatives Lily Linggon and Dr. Manolo Tandoc presented an overview of the surgical and medical discounts and/or refunds while Cristabel Asiong of PAG-IBIG gave an informative talk on the accumulated contributions and its corresponding computations.

Nestor Mestito, Administrative Officer II of the Social Welfare Office discussed the various programs and services offered by the office to senior citizens that will assist them in self-development and community involvement.

Corazon Garlejo and Evelina Dispo, both former City Hall employees inspired the retirees with their touching testimonies on their life experiences after retirement. (Angel Amadeo)