Sarangani union pays P5.1-M for members’ healthcare

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 27, 2013) – Sarangani Province Employees Union (SPEU) turned over Monday (May 27) a P5.1-million check to the Maxicare healthcare corporation as payment for the healthcare program of 653 members enrolled this year.

 

SPEU president Anacleto “Bobby” Saya-ang said the healthcare program forms part of the Collective Negotiation Agreement with the management team of Gov. Migs Dominguez comprised of selected departments heads and officials of the provincial government.

 

Based on the agreement, the provincial government granted the union P15.5 million which accounted for the 80 percent from total maintenance and other operating expenses savings last year of P19.4 million.

 

Part of the 50 percent of the total savings went to healthcare while the remaining 30 percent was provided to union members as monetary benefits.

 

According to Maxicare, the “premium quality healthcare” that they are providing “addresses the basic need for a comprehensive package that prioritizes” the well-being of their clients.

 

“We are improving the features of the Maxicare card that will not only serve as the member ID used to verify eligibility for availment of healthcare services but will also serve as a cash card through which reimbursements from Maxicare may be received by the member through electronic cash credits,” the company said.

 

As a health card, cardholders can use it as a card in Maxicare Primary Care Centers, or in any of over 950 Maxicare accredited hospitals and clinics nationwide.

 

SPEU was established in 2002. As of March, the assets of the union generated from the one percent contribution as monthly dues of its members from their salaries already reached P6 million deposited as trust fund intended for the retirement benefits of the members.

 

Saya-ang, who works at the Provincial Information Office, also concurrently heads the regional Public Sector Employees Alliance of SOCSKSARGEN (PSEAS).

 

His incumbency as president of the regional alliance, he said, has challenged him to “set economic directions uplifting the spirit of local unions to collectively pool the strength and have an alliance in bringing forward the name of PSEAS, filtering more economic benefits.” For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a>. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)