GSIS holds dialogue with stakeholders in Lanao provinces

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Jan. 28 (PIA) --- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is now more consultative, transparent and member-focused.

This was the message of GSIS President and General Manager (PGM) Robert G. Vergara during the GSIS Stakeholder’s Dialogue held Tuesday, January 27, at Plaza Alemania Hotel in Iligan City.

Vergara and other GSIS officials visited Lanao area to inform its members and pensioners on the initiatives they implemented to bring their services closer to the people.

In his report to the stakeholders, Vergara outlined the many accomplishments of the state pension fund such as the improvement in posting and collection efficiency rate and the reduction in volume of inaccurate statements of accounts, among others.

He also disclosed that more than 900 GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) Kiosks were deployed and installed in DepEd division offices of DepEd, provincial capitols, city halls and cluster of municipalities and even in some malls to better serve members and pensioners.

Mayor Nashiba G. Sumagayan of Taraka, this province, was among the participants of the stakeholder’s dialogue.

She raised if there's a possibility of condoning the arrears of members in Taraka municipality given that the previous administration left them no records to trace. She made it clear, however, that her current administration is remitting every month.

Other local government representatives also raised the same issue while some requested the state pension fund chief to help in making the retirement age earlier at 55 instead of 60.

But PGM Vergara clarified that they do not have the authority to condone arrears or change the retirement age. But they will raise the concerns to the GSIS Board of Trustees.

He also urged the active members, pensioners and stakeholders to participate in other GSIS dialogues and public sector meetings for awareness and updates.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Jason C. Teng, GSIS Acting Vice President for Mindanao Area, said that they are taking seriously all the concerns raised in every dialogue sessions that they conducted. "We took down notes on your concerns, suggestions, feedbacks and issues. We will study it and then find solutions", he said. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB/PIA-10)