Teachers thanks GSIS for open dialogue and commitment to resolve issues

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairperson Benjo Basas thanked the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for holding an open and constructive dialogue that allowed teachers to voice their concerns directly to the pension fund’s leadership.

“Maraming salamat po sa dialogue na ito. Marami tayong napag-usapan at hopefully ‘yung mga napag-usapan po ay patungo sa resolution ng mga issues raised by the teachers,” Basas said, emphasizing the value of continuous communication between GSIS and the education sector.

The meeting, held at the GSIS Head Office, was part of the agency’s ongoing effort to strengthen engagement with its 2.7 million members and pensioners, particularly public school teachers who make up the largest membership group.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso assured participants that their concerns are being addressed with transparency and care. “We welcome these discussions because they allow us to correct misinformation and assure our members that their funds are managed prudently. Teachers are among our most valued members, and we want them to know that their contributions are safe and continuously growing,” Veloso said.

He explained that GSIS has not invested in gambling-related businesses, contrary to online claims, and that 70% percent of GSIS funds are in risk-free investments such as government securities, member loans, and cash deposits. Only a small portion is invested in equities and real estate.

Veloso added that the pension fund remains financially strong, with total assets reaching P1.92 trillion as of August 2025, up from P1.53 trillion in 2022, and a net income of P100 billion year-to-date.

To help teachers manage financial challenges, Veloso highlighted the Ginhawa Loan Bundle programs, Ginhawa Flex, Lite, and Max, which offer affordable terms and can be easily accessed via the GSIS Touch mobile app. “We understand the challenges faced by our teachers. That’s why we’ve made our loan programs more flexible and convenient,” he said.

Meanwhile, newly appointed GSIS Trustee Gilbert Tan Sadsad, who represents the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA), expressed his personal commitment to support educators. “We will do our best na mabawasan o kaya wala na tayong problema sa ating retirement pagdating sa GSIS. We need to work together and bring teachers’ feedback to management and the Board so we can find solutions,” he said.

The GSIS chief also noted that this dialogue followed earlier consultations with other educator groups such as the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) and the Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (ASSERT) held earlier in October.

“These dialogues strengthen mutual understanding and help us move forward together in ensuring Ginhawa for All,” Veloso concluded.