by Lou Ellen Antonio
ILIGAN CITY (PIA)–The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation of Iligan Incorporated (Iligan Chamber) spearheaded a business seminar, inviting PhilHealth, the Social Security System, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Pag-IBIG Fund to share updates on their services and programs.
About 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participated in the seminar.
“The updates given to us will definitely help our bookkeepers, accounting staff, and sole proprietors understand the role of these four sectors in our business’ growth and survival,” said Nestor Ilagan, vice president of the Iligan Chamber.
Revenue District Office 101 Chief of Assessment Section Lawyer Maricel Arthur shared that MSMEs can avail themselves of the services of the Bureau of Internal Revenue online. They just have to go to the website, www.bir.gov.ph, and choose the “e-services” option. BIR also offers hassle free appointments for its clients since they can now book them online.
On the other hand, Social Security System Iligan Branch Head Cheryl Villanueva introduced the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program Plus, which is a voluntary retirement savings program offered exclusively to SSS members in addition to its regular social security program. She encouraged the MSMEs to also avail the program for additional savings.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth Accounts Information Management Specialist Methusella Rhea Endriga shared the newest primary care benefit package of the government, dubbed Konsultasyong Sulit Tama, as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law.
Moreover, Efren Endriga III of Pag-IBIG Fund Iligan encouraged the MSMEs to avail of housing loans as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to build 1 million low-cost housing units every year until the end of his term. He also encouraged them to avail of the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus, which offers exclusive discounts and rewards on grocery purchases, tuition fees, hospital bills, and fuel expenses, among others.
Iligan Chamber Reggie Punongbayan also hosted the “Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber” to accommodate questions from the participants of the seminar.
“This aims to discuss the pressing issues concerning the local economy and the business community,” she said. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
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