Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is conducting a review of pension and benefit levels for its pensioners, following consultations with teachers' associations and government employee groups.

According to Philippines News Agency, the state pension fund announced in a news release that it met with the teachers' group Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (ASSERT) and the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) to discuss concerns raised by members and pensioners. During the meeting, ASSERT urged the state pension fund to revisit the minimum pension, burial benefit, and Christmas cash gift granted to some pensioners.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso assured the groups that the agency recognizes the need to periodically assess benefit adequacy but emphasized that "any adjustment must undergo actuarial study" to preserve the long-term stability of the Social Insurance Fund. Veloso stated, 'GSIS fully understands our members' concerns. However, we must ensure that all reforms are fiscally sound and sustainable to protect the fund for future generations.'

Veloso also briefed the groups on GSIS initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and convenience for members and pensioners. These initiatives include the GSIS Touch mobile app for online loan filing and Annual Pensioners' Information Revalidation (APIR), as well as affordable housing programs with lease-with-option-to-buy terms.

Both ASSERT and PGEA welcomed the dialogue. ASSERT President Arlene James Pagaduan expressed optimism that continued consultations would help address the concerns of teachers, while PGEA President Esperanza Ocampo said her group looks forward to a sustained partnership with GSIS in advancing the welfare of government employees.

Veloso mentioned that a separate meeting would be scheduled with the Teachers' Dignity Coalition to continue discussions on sector-specific issues.