Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has received a significant USD272 million (approximately PHP15.8 billion) payout from the Macquarie Asia Infrastructure Fund 2 (MAIF2) as of Dec. 30, 2024, bolstering its pension fund's financial stability. The payout follows the successful sale of MAIF2's stake in AirTrunk, a prominent data center operator in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, with this latest cash inflow, the GSIS said it has fully recouped its initial investment in MAIF2, managed by Macquarie Asset Management (MAM). "This is good news for GSIS members as the funds are invested to earn solid returns, helping to boost the financial strength of the GSIS and its capacity to cover pension payments of retired civil servants in the future," GSIS President and General Manager Arnulfo "Wick" Veloso said in a news release on Tuesday. "Our infrastructure investments through MAM's funds have delivered exceptional results, enhancing retirement security while supporting critical infrastructure," he added.

The GSIS has partnered with MAM since 2012, beginning with investments in the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure (PINAI) to boost local infrastructure development. It later expanded its portfolio by investing in MAM's regional infrastructure funds in 2017 and 2021, diversifying its holdings and driving long-term returns. The GSIS maintains a balanced investment strategy, with 70 percent of its portfolio allocated to low-risk assets for stability and a portion strategically placed in higher-yielding infrastructure investments.

Veloso emphasized that these investments align with GSIS' duty to prudently manage funds for the benefit of hardworking government employees. MAM, a global asset manager, oversees approximately AUD916.8 billion in assets across 25 markets. Its partnership with GSIS has played a key role in delivering sustainable returns while supporting infrastructure development in the Philippines and across Asia.