The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), led by President and General Manager Wick Veloso, held a dialogue with the Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (ASSERT) and the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) to discuss concerns affecting members and pensioners. A similar meeting with the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) is also being scheduled.
During the meeting, ASSERT raised proposals to review the minimum pension, burial benefits, and Christmas cash gift for select pensioners. Veloso acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that any adjustments must undergo actuarial evaluation to preserve the long-term stability of the Social Insurance Fund.
Veloso also presented GSIS initiatives aimed at improving member services, including the GSIS Touch mobile app for online transactions, the Annual Pensioners’ Information Revalidation (APIR), and housing programs with lease-with-option-to-buy terms.
Both ASSERT and PGEA welcomed the consultation. ASSERT President Arlene James Pagaduan expressed hope for continued engagement to resolve teachers’ concerns, while PGEA President Esperanza Ocampo affirmed support for a sustained partnership with GSIS to promote government workers’ welfare.
