MANILA – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) will roll out a joint Speakers’ Bureau to enhance member education of their benefits and serve as a platform to address members’ concerns while actively fighting fake news.
At a meeting held Tuesday, the GSIS and the PGEA outlined the action plan for the establishment of the bureau.
The program will prepare key PGEA leaders to disseminate accurate information on GSIS benefits, programs and services, and facilitate a dialogue to correct disinformation.
“This initiative highlights our commitment to public service by ensuring that our members have direct access to accurate information about their GSIS benefits,” GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said. “Partnering with PGEA strengthens our ability to effectively reach all government offices and support every public servant.”
The groundbreaking effort was launched on December 4, 2024 during the celebration of the National Government Employees Week under Presidential Proclamation 1130.
“PGEA ensures that accurate and verified information about GSIS benefits reaches our members and other public servants nationwide,” PGEA president Esperanza Ocampo said.
“By actively dispelling fake news and fostering transparent communication, we steadfastly uphold our dedication to truth and clarity,” she added.
The GSIS will conduct training sessions for PGEA leaders on comprehensive benefit packages. The trained leaders will then serve as GSIS ambassadors, creating an efficient system for member education while actively countering disinformation.
“The goal of the Speakers’ Bureau is to promote critical thinking to effectively evaluate sources of news and information,” Veloso said.
He said the activity “will encourage the practices amongst government employees of verifying information before sharing.”
Initial workshops for PGEA members will focus on key topics such as basic insurance and retirement planning, loan programs and application processes, emergency assistance benefits, new digital services platforms, and updates on GSIS programs and services.
Founded in 1945, PGEA is the most recognized public workers’ organization and has been a vital advocate for civil servants’ welfare and professional development. It represents public servants in the governing boards of GSIS, Pag-IBIG Fund and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, among others. (PR)