PCG Frankfurt Holds Seminar on SSS, Pag-IBIG and OWWA Services

The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt hosted a seminar on SSS, Pag-IBIG and OWWA services at the Consulate premises last June 8. The event was attended by members of the Filipino-German community and Consulate personnel.

Speakers included Ms. Mylene Lontoc, Pag-IBIG Representative and Ms. Marie Jessielyn Sia, SSS Representative, both based in Milan, Italy, who delivered presentations on the services provided by their respective agencies. Consul Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. delivered the presentation on behalf of OWWA, after giving a briefing on consular services offered by the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt.

Consul General Evelyn Austria-Garcia thanked those who attended the seminar. She noted that many Filipinos in Germany were not fully aware of the huge benefits and savings from becoming a member of the SSS and the Pag-IBIG. “They were surprised to find out that interest offered by the SSS and Pag-IBIG were higher than commercial banks“, she added.

Ms. Lontoc confirmed that active members of Pag-IBIG who have decided to increase their contribution or deposit, are expected to benefit most from the Fund’s enhanced interest rates. Ms. Sia reminded SSS members to complete the minimum number of 120 contributions or ten years, in order to be eligible for pension.

Participants of the seminar availed themselves of individual consultations to inquire about the status of their membership, as well as to update their contributions. Filipino-Germans can continue paying their monthly or advance contributions through the accredited remittance agent in Germany, or through their relatives in the Philippines.

Consul General Garcia encouraged Filipino-Germans to take advantage of their improved financial position, to upgrade their investments in the SSS and Pag-IBIG in order to better prepare themselves for the future. She said that the successful outcome of the seminar has inspired the Consulate General to consider making the event a regular activity, including in its consular outreach mission.