GSIS-TESDA Partnership Produces First Graduatesin Davao

Davao City- Nineteen dependents of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) members and pensioners became the first graduates of the GSIS-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Skills Partnership Program, marking the initial milestone of the pension fund’s initiative to equip members’ and pensioners’ families with employable skills.

The graduation supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to expand technical-vocational education and create more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos by providing unemployed dependents of GSIS members and pensioners with free skills training.

Approved by the GSIS Board of Trustees, the pilot program is being implemented in three areas: Bread and Pastry Production in Davao, Automotive Servicing in Cebu, and Cookery in Legazpi.

For the Davao pilot, 19 applicants completed the Bread and Pastry Production course and are now eligible to undergo TESDA competency assessment for National Certification, an industry-recognized credential that can boost their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The program is open to unemployed spouses, children, or siblings of active GSIS members and pensioners who are at least 18 years old, reside within the pilot areas, and meet TESDA qualification requirements.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the initiative demonstrates the pension fund’s commitment to improving the lives of members’ families even before retirement.

“Most people understand the GSIS through one number: the pension waiting for them after years of service. That number matters, and we work hard to protect it. But I have come to believe the GSIS owes society more than that one number, even before retirement comes,” Veloso said.

He described the initiative as part of the GSIS’ “social dividend,” creating opportunities that help members’ families build better futures while their loved ones are still in government service.

“Nineteen dependents of our members and pensioners are now trained and ready to build something of their own. We did not wait for retirement to make a difference in these families. We made it now, while it could still change the shape of someone’s year, not just their old age,” he added.

Representing the GSIS Board of Trustees, Trustee Evelina Escudero said the graduation demonstrates the positive impact of the Board’s decision to support the program.

“When this program was presented to the Board, we asked whether it would truly benefit our members and pensioners and whether it was something the GSIS could sustain. Now, we are seeing the results of that decision,” Escudero said.

She said the Board is optimistic about expanding the program beyond the three pilot sites after evaluating its initial implementation.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, congratulations to all nineteen graduates. We hope the skills you have gained will open more opportunities for you, your families, and your communities,” she said.

END

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), represented by Trustee Evelina Escudero, Trustee Gilbert Sadsad, and Trustee Rolando Toledo, joins the first batch of graduates of the GSIS-TESDA Skills Partnership Program in Davao. Nineteen dependents of GSIS members and pensioners successfully completed the Bread and Pastry Production course, gaining practical skills that will help expand their employment and livelihood opportunities.

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