Manila - The Institute for Labor Studies conducted a technical learning session on public sector benefits covering the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week on July 28, 2023, at the ILS Office, Intramuros, Manila, and via Zoom.

The session was well attended by ILS employees and participants from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) bureaus, services, and attached agencies. ILS hosted the event to raise awareness on social pension systems available to vulnerable sectors such as the elderly and PWDs, and capacitate them on accessing these facilities through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The Institute sought the expertise of Ms. Christy F. Solis of the GSIS – National Capital Region department as a subject matter expert. Her presentation comprehensively covered the topic and other benefits available for employees through GSIS. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were also provided for attendees after the session.

In her closing remarks, Deputy Executive Director III Atty. Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio highlighted the need for the TLS to be conducted to capacitate employees on the social pension systems and benefits which was an initiative following the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week and in the celebration of the 36th Anniversary of the Institute in the month of July.  She also acknowledged and thanked all the attendees especially those from the DOLE bureaus, attached agencies and services via Zoom. 

The GSIS provides various benefits and services, such as life insurance, retirement, separation, employee compensation, unemployment, disability, funeral, and survivorship benefits. Furthermore, there are plenty of loans and other programs that GSIS members can avail of, such as enhanced pension loans, policy loans, multi-purpose loan, the GSIS Financial Assistance Loan or GFAL, educational and emergency loans, and lease with option to buy programs. The speaker highlighted the benefits of retirees, and persons with disabilities and mentioned portability options as part of the discussion on GSIS’ mandates.