FIRST of all, I would like to recognize the thoughtfulness of Mr. Narciso Tabajen and Madame Julieta Palasi in informing me and our other concerned co-members in BARP (Blessed Association of Retired Persons, Inc.) about the GSIS Pensioner’s Day this year. So also the community thoughtfulness of BARP President Federico A. Balanag, who permitted them to attend the occasion. It was held, as previously announced, on December 2, 2016, at the Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City. Ultimately, of course, our most heartfelt gratitude goes to the Management and staff of the GSIS CAR office in Baguio City for the whole affair wherein the pensioners got needed instructions and thoroughly enjoyed lighter moments, even how momentary, in the inevitable final stages of earthly life.
There were two main parts of the program. The first gave the opening prayer by PGREA representatives, Pambansang Awit, Welcome Remarks by Manager Isagani del Rosario, GSIS updates by Ms. Ma. Corazon Esteban, Hawaiian Dance by PGREA, ballroom dance and singing contests, and closing by Myreen Reyes, who also served as EMCEE. Snack was served after the long updates. Lumpia with orange juice or green/blue tea was given as pre-lunch treat.
Every-ready and vivacious Jimmy Castro of PGREA led the therapeutic exercises performed to the tune, at times comical, of appropriate melodies. The BARP group sang a special birthday song dedicated foremost to birthday celebrator of the day “our ever attentive Ali” (Alilee B. Bautista) of the GSIS CAR office and then to the 90 and above years old celebrators of year 2016.
The highlights of the updates that are deemed important to the pensioners are given as follows:
I. Loan privileges for old age pensioners are the pension loan and pensioners emergency loan;
II. Maximum loan amount is 100,000.00 for 65 years old or below; 60,000.00, for 65 years old to below 70; and 20,000.00 for 70 years old and above. Pension is payable in two years. To be submitted is a copy of Pensioner’s eCard or UMID Card or, if none of them, any two valid government IDs of the pensioner.
III. Pensioner Loan. As to eligibility, only old age pensioners with no outstanding service loans are considered. Application shall be done personally through the GW@PS Kiosk or over-the counter at an appropriate GSIS office.
IV. Pensioner’s emergency loan for pensioners in declared calamity areas is P20,000.00 maximum payable in 3 years at 6% per annum interest rate.
V. V. Use of eCard in paying claims ensures facility and timeliness of claims or benefits.
VI. GSIS has 38 service desks nationwide since March 2015.
VII. No more ARAS (Annual Renewal of Active Status) for those in ARMM and abroad.
VIII. E-mail address: pensionerglobal@gsis.gov.ph.
IX. Schedule of pension crediting. Every 8th day of the month.
X. Qualified to cash gift/bonus: only active old age pensioners. Those bedridden or unable to leave home can coordinate with GSIS for home visitation.
XI. Milestone benefits effective September 1, 2015: 90-94 years old – Php20,000.00; 95-99-Php50,000.00, 100 years old and above – 100,000.00.
XII. Pensioners start-up September 2, 2015 onwards: 90 years old and +P20,000.00, 95 years – P30,000.00, 100 years – P50,000.00.
XIII. GSIS partners with Philpost to update records.
XIV. Survivorship benefits, (1.) Primary beneficiaries of deceased age old pensioners (2.) Surviving spouse is entitled to 50% of the deceased member’s pension. (3.) Minor/incapacitated child is 10%.
XV. Funeral Burial. According to order: (1.) Legitimate spouse, or (2.) Legitimate child who spent – 30% for uniformed PNP, BIMP, BFP.
XVI. Call Center Hotlines: (02)847-4747. For smart 1-800-10-8474747. First minute, P8.00, succeeding free. For Globe 1-800-8-8474747. Free of charge; maintaining balance (P8.00).
XVII. GSIS Maasahan ng Lingkod Bayan www.gsis.gov.ph 847.4747.
The organizers and the pensioners are one in thanking all the good people, members of GSIS, who surely, under Divine Providence, who keep the national organization all fine, all okay!