LAST Jan. 23, graduating students of SBCA attended a seminar on Labor Education for Graduating Students at the Multi-purpose Hall (MPH), aimed to equip them with the necessary knowledge regarding their labor rights and the role of the government agencies before entering the workforce.

The seminar aligns with the mandate requiring all public and private higher education institutions to integrate labor education into the curriculum, ensuring that graduating students are prepared for the world of work, and was organized into several segments, each highlighting the roles, benefits, and protections related to work and labor.

The seminar commenced with the opening remarks from Eleonoro Gesmundo, MA, RGC, head of the Counseling and Integral Development Unit of the Higher Education Department. She emphasized the importance of transitioning from a student life to a professional career and provided a deeper understanding of what work truly means. 

"Employers value individuals who demonstrate integrity, accountability, respect, and professionalism, by showing up on time, doing honest work, and treating colleagues are essential," she said.

Important Segments

The first segment discussed the role of PhilHealth as the primary health insurance provider for Filipino citizens. It outlined its benefits, such as the introduction of their new programs, such as YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), and the implementation of automatic membership. The discussion also covered the different types of members, including direct and indirect contributors, emphasizing that registered members are entitled to receive benefits.

Following this, the second segment focused on the Pag-IBIG Fund, a government savings program that helps members build financial security, highlighting that a large portion of the fund is allocated to housing loans. 

Members are assigned one Pag-IBIG number and can monitor contributions through Virtual Pag-IBIG. The benefits discussed included mandatory regular savings, access to larger loans, and lump-sum savings upon retirement, with the overall goal of financial stability.

The seminar also emphasized workers’ rights and the role of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It covered minimum labor standards, employment contracts, and the importance of reviewing company policies before accepting a job. 

Key topics included wages, working hours, overtime pay, night differentials, employee benefits, and various types of leaves. The discussion also included important laws that protect workers, with special attention to the safeguards of women in the workplace.

It explained the role of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in protecting the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Services such as the One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC) were highlighted, along with DMW’s digitized services, kid-centered programs, and educational seminars. It also addressed its efforts to address illegal migration and illegal recruitment through stricter regulations and awareness campaigns.

To conclude the seminar, the final segment discussed the role of the Social Security System (SSS) as a financial safety net for workers, covering how to obtain an SSS number, the available benefits, and short-term loans. The discussion also highlighted the importance of SSS in providing support during sickness, injury, maternity, or inability to work.

Meanwhile, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the municipal representative of the DOLE in Muntinlupa, reminded students of the importance of labor education for graduating students and the importance of knowing the specific rights and knowledge related to the world of work.

Readiness Through Labor Education

With the knowledge learned from the seminar, students were encouraged to apply for the various benefits discussed during the seminar, highlighting that these can be easily availed of and registered through the appropriate agencies for proper management and assistance. 

The success of the seminar highlights the importance of preparing students for the professional world by equipping them with essential knowledge of their rights. This preparation empowers them to make informed decisions, avoid potential workplace issues, and ensure a smooth transition from academic life to professional employment.