GSIS Hosts Project HUB yearend meet

by Info @Brand Zone | Dec. 27, 2024

Leaders unite for Project Hub: GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso (second from left), MMDA Chairman Romando Artes (leftmost), DOTR ASEC Leonel Cray De Velez (third from left), and Quezon City Assistant City Administrator Alberto Kimpo (rightmost) convened for a quadripartite meeting on December 18 to discuss milestones and next steps for the intermodal transport facility set to rise on GSIS property in Quezon City by 2026. Also  present were PMS Director Joanna Micah Eufemio and QC local government Planning Head Dr. Jose Edgardo Gomez Jr.

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) hosted a quadripartite meeting on December 18, bringing together officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Quezon City Local Government Unit (LGU) to discuss milestones reached towards the realization of the Project HUB proposal, including the next steps for the coming year 2025.  Representatives from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) were also in attendance to oversee the President’s instruction.

Project HUB is the proposed intermodal transport facility expected to rise on a 3-hectare GSIS property in Quezon City by 2026. It is a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has prioritized innovative infrastructure solutions to address Metro Manila’s worsening traffic condition and improve connectivity.

Presided over by GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso, the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of four government entities to ease traffic concerns, enhance mobility, and support economic development in Quezon City and nearby areas. Aside from Veloso, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, DOTR ASEC Leonel Cray De Velez, Presidential Management Staff Director Joanna Micah Eufemio, and representatives from the Quezon City local government unit, including Assistant City Administrator Alberto Kimpo and City Planning Head Dr. Jose Edgardo Gomez Jr. joined the year-ender.

“Guided by President Marcos’ directive, we have a unique opportunity to transform the GSIS Quezon City property into a strategic transportation hub that will improve daily commutes, addressing mobility issues with innovative, inclusive and sustainable solutions,” Veloso said.

The agenda included updates on the Project HUB’s Terms of Reference from the DOTr and exchanges among stakeholders to refine the project’s details to include the immediate operation of a temporary transport facility by next year while the more detailed study and plan for the permanent transportation hub is being done.

“Collaboration is the foundation for this very important project. Together, we are not just building a transport hub --- we are laying the groundwork for progress and drive our nation forward,” Veloso added.

The meeting concluded with all parties reaffirming their commitment to advancing the project as it aligns with the administration’s vision of sustainable and innovative infrastructure solutions sooner rather than later.

GSIS, MMDA Partner to Boost Traffic Management and Road Safety

by Info @Bulgarific | Dec. 21, 2024

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso (center), MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes (left), and MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana (right) showcase the signed agreement that extends MMDA’s use of GSIS properties for urban traffic management and road safety initiatives. The partnership exemplifies the whole-of-government approach in optimizing resources and delivering direct public benefits.

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) signed an agreement on December 18 to extend MMDA’s use of GSIS properties for critical urban traffic solutions.

The term sheet, signed by GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso, MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes, and MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana as witness, highlights the two agencies'  collaboration to optimize government resources and deliver direct public benefits. Under the agreement, the Julia Vargas site will continue to serve as the home of the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy, promoting road safety through proper rider education. The site will also provide temporary facilities for MMDA personnel affected by ongoing office construction, ensuring seamless operations.

Meanwhile, the GSIS Tumana property in Marikina will be transformed into a strategic hub supporting MMDA’s traffic management efforts, including vehicle impounding and traffic enforcement activities.

“In 2015, what began as a simple property arrangement between GSIS and MMDA has now evolved into a powerful example of what government agencies can achieve when they work in true partnership,” Veloso said. “Today, we are not just signing agreements – we are building a blueprint for more responsive, efficient urban governance.”

Veloso emphasized that the partnership aligns with the administration’s whole-of-government approach, where agencies collaborate to maximize resources and deliver meaningful results. “Kapag nagkakapit-bisig ang mga ahensya, tayo ay mas malakas,” he added.

With major infrastructure projects like the Metro Manila Subway and Quezon City Integrated Transport Hub on the horizon, Veloso noted that this collaboration serves as a template for smarter, more efficient urban development.

The ceremonial signing, attended by GSIS executives, MMDA leadership, and employees, highlighted the importance of inter-agency partnerships in addressing Metro Manila’s growing urban challenges.

"This is about reimagining how government can work smarter and have a greater impact in serving the public interest," Veloso concluded.

GSIS allots P2.8 B emergency loan for 87K members, pensioners hit by calamities

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 19, 2024

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) earmarked over P2.8 billion in emergency loan to around 87,000 active members and pensioners in nine areas in Luzon and Visayas. The areas have been declared under a state of calamity due to bad weather and mosquito-borne diseases.

Active members as well as old-age and disability pensioners may now apply for the loan. For those working or residing in in Ilocos Norte, the deadline for application is on November 5, 2024; in Northern Samar, Dingle in Iloilo, and Hinigaran in Negros Occidental, on November 7, 2024; and in Vinzons in Camarines Norte on December 24, 2024. Application deadlines have been extended until 2025 in the provinces of Palawan and Mountain Province until January 6; Batanes, until January 7; and in Cagayan Province until January 16.

To qualify for the loan, active members residing or working in the calamity areas must not be on unpaid leave, have no pending administrative or legal cases, and have made at least six monthly premium payments before applying. Their net take-home pay should not be less than P5,000 as stipulated by the General Appropriations Act.

Old-age and disability pensioners residing in the calamity areas may avail of the loan provided their net monthly pension is at least 25%.

Members and pensioners with existing emergency loan balances may borrow up to P40,000 to enable them to settle their previous loans and receive a maximum net amount of P20,000. Those without existing loans may apply for P20,000. The loan features a low interest rate of 6% per annum and payment period of three years.

Qualified active members and pensioners are encouraged to apply via the GSIS Touch mobile app.

For more information about the emergency loan, members are encouraged to visit the GSIS website at www.gsis.gov.ph, follow the GSIS Facebook page (@gsis.ph), email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph, or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847-4747 (Metro Manila) or 1-800-8-847-4747 (Globe and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (Smart, Sun, and TNT subscribers).