Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairperson Benjo Basas has expressed appreciation for the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)’s holding of an open and constructive dialogue that allowed teachers to convey their concerns directly to the pension fund’s management.

“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, (Many thanks for this dialogue; we talked about many things and hopefully what we spoke about would lead to a resolution of the issues raised by the teachers),” Basas said, emphasizing the value of continuous communication between GSIS and the education sector.

The meeting, held recently 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.

Concerns are being addressed

GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso assured participants that their concerns are being addressed with transparency and care.

Said Veloso, “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 that contrary to online claims, the GSIS has not invested in gambling-related businesses and that 70 percent of GSIS funds are in risk-free investments such as government securities, member loans and cash deposits.

A small portion in equities, real estate

Only a small portion is invested in equities and real estate, he said. 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 GSIS’s 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 stressed.

Meanwhile, newly appointed GSIS Trustee Gilbert Tan Sadsad, who represents the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA), expressed his personal commitment to support educators.

Do our best

“We will do our best na mabawasan o kaya wala na tayong problema sa ating retirement pagdating sa GSIS. (We will do our best to lessen or completely get rid of problems relating to retirement when it comes to GSIS). We need to work together and bring teachers’ feedback to management and the Board so we can find solutions,” he said.

Velosos also noted that the dialogue with the teachers followed earlier consultations with other educator groups such as the Philippine Government Employees Association and the Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers held earlier in October.

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