retirement, retirement processing, BFP retirement, retirement benefits, terminal leave benefits 

Retirement is a major event in one's life, and to retire from a service wrought with great risks and responsibilities like the fire service is something to be thankful for. The transition to retirement of personnel being supported by the organization through the efficient processing of retirement claims and benefits is a way of thanking their retiring personnel for the years devoted to the service.

The regionalization of retirement and benefit claims in the BFP has prompted this survey to determine its status and the challenges faced by the retirees and BFP personnel-in-charge of processing of claims. This study offers insight into the timeliness of receipt of claims, completion of documents, and processing of claims in BFP Region 5 as perceived by its retirees and the BFP personnel in charge of processing the claims. It also provides the priority strategic options for the improvement of the retirement claim system in the region.