GSIS targets better access, connectivity for pensioners in Ifugao

The Government Service Insurance System has committed to targeted measures aimed at improving service delivery for members and pensioners in remote areas of Ifugao, following a stakeholder dialogue held in the province.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the engagement was designed to refine agency reforms through direct consultations with members and pensioners, particularly those serving in geographically isolated areas.

“We want to hear your stories, struggles, and ideas because you are on the frontlines of public service. Because you serve in places like Ifugao, where travel is harder and resources are fewer, you deserve more attention, not less. Ano pa ang puwede naming gawin? Paano pa namin kayo matutulungan?” Veloso said.

Among the measures presented during the dialogue was the expansion of GSIS’ on-site presence in government offices, building on existing service desks and mobile caravans. These will prioritize transactions requiring personal assistance, including enrollment, record updates, and claims-related concerns, to reduce the need for repeated follow-up visits.

GSIS is also exploring satellite connectivity solutions for public schools and nearby government offices in Ifugao to address persistent internet challenges in the province.

“Education is the foundation of the future, and connectivity is now essential to learning and public service. That is why we are exploring satellite connectivity for public schools and nearby government offices in Ifugao. We hope to establish satellite-powered GSIS service desks that schools can also use for Wi-Fi access, helping students gain a window to the world while enabling government employees to access GSIS services more quickly and reliably,” Veloso said.

He added that GSIS is developing a model that could be adopted by private companies, particularly those participating in the Adopt-a-School Program, to help sustain satellite connectivity in remote communities.

“We are also developing a model that can be adopted by the private sector so they, too, can contribute. Since satellite connectivity costs about ₱3,000 a month or ₱36,000 a year, private companies supporting Adopt-a-School can help sustain this annually. If we can start this together, we can encourage more corporations to take part, knowing that GSIS is also doing its share,” Veloso added.

Veloso likened the agency’s approach to the gradual construction of the Ifugao rice terraces, emphasizing patience, collaboration, and trust-building.

“The rice terraces of Ifugao were not built in one day. They were built slowly, patiently, together, stone by stone, generation by generation. That’s how trust is built too. Step by step. Listening first. Helping sincerely,” he said, while assuring stakeholders of continued GSIS support and plans to return to the province.

The agency said it will continue holding dialogues nationwide to ensure reforms remain anchored on member feedback and that GSIS stays responsive to communities across the country.

During the Ifugao dialogue, GSIS officials also discussed the GSIS Touch mobile application and the Adopt-a-School Program, while addressing questions on pension computation, loans, and other member concerns.

To assist offices in areas with unstable internet connectivity, GSIS is exploring alternative offline submission options, dedicated assistance channels, and fallback procedures when systems are temporarily unavailable.

The agency is likewise strengthening information access for government employees in remote areas by bringing briefings to venues where employees already gather, such as flag ceremonies and cluster meetings. Printed reference materials will complement digital resources.

Standardized training for agency authorized officers, including checklists and templates, will also be rolled out. GSIS said it will establish more direct communication lines between its Bayombong Branch and agency representatives, and further systematize coordination on premium reconciliation with government agencies in Ifugao.