In line with the implementation of Circular No. 009-2015 (Mandatory Payment of Premium Contributions of Employers and Employees in PhilHealth Accrediting Collecting Agents), the PhilHealth Regional Office I held its first-ever Joint Employers and ACAs Forum in Pangasinan.

The forum was hosted by the Collection Section (ColSec) and was held at PRO I’s Training Room. Since it coincided with the commemoration of Independence Day, employees donned Filipiniana attire which made the event more meaningful and exciting.

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Done in four (4) sessions, the forum brought together 180 participants from the government and private sectors, ACAs and bookkeepers in the province.

Dr. Leo Douglas V. Cardona, Jr., PRO I Regional Vice President, was present in all sessions, equipped with a presentation material on the status of membership and collection as well as on updates about benefits. With the emphasis on sharing and caring, Cardona said that “we are here for social service, not business.”

ColSec, together with P-AIMS and Membership Section, dealt with the issues brought about by the latest development in employer remittance. The group made sure that employers’ concerns were addressed properly by the ACAs. On a positive note, the Corporation got the full support of collecting agents, banks’ branch heads and representatives. They took the challenge and encouraged everyone to pay at their respective branches come July 1.

With the assurance of PRO I’s collecting partners, and the cooperation of the employers and bookkeepers, the Regional Office is optimistic that it can withstand the changes that may come. As they say, nothing is permanent except change. (END) (Charo U. Cortez)