GSIS installs new branch manager, meets with members

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 18 (PIA) -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has organized a dialogue with stakeholders in Negros Oriental during the installation of its new branch manager on September 14. 

GSIS Vice-President for Visayas and Mindanao Salvation Mate present some program and policy reforms of the government insurance agency that are responsive to the needs of its members and pensioners. 

Mate installed the new branch head, Atty. Mercedes Enriquez, the former assistant-manager of GSIS Cebu, replacing the OIC-manager Cecilia Tejada. 

Atty. Enriquez took the challenged and responsibilities to attain the goal in providing quality service to the more than 25,000 members and pensioners in her coverage areas that include Negros Oriental and Siquijor. 

In a conference, Mate cited the deployment of more than 10 GSIS wireless automated processing system (GWAPS) kiosks in the cities of Negros Oriental, clusters of municipalities and large government agencies such as the division office of the Department of Education (DepEd), Capitol and Dumaguete City Hall. 

Other GSIS reforms presented by Mate include cancellation of the annual renewal of active status (ARAS) for local pensioners, restoration of survivorship pensions. 

Under this revised policy she said, surviving spouse of members and pensioners can now receive monthly pension benefits even if they are gainfully employed and receiving income. 

GSIS has also expanded its partnerships with Land Bank and Pag-IBIG Fund for efficient withdrawal of loans and pensions, and implementation of housing loan program, respectively. 

The consultation forms part of the effort of the new GSIS leadership in support to the transparency and accountability governance of the Aquino administration. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)