The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is strengthening its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) to improve education in underserved communities by expanding the Adopt-a-School Program, increasing its coverage from 25 to 30 last-mile schools nationwide.
Through a newly signed memorandum of agreement (MOA), GSIS will invest PHP400,000 per school from 2024 to 2027 to provide essential learning tools and facilities to schools in geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas.
GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso, in a news release Thursday, said this initiative builds on a decade of support for 165 schools and prioritizes communities affected by disasters and those with limited access to educational resources.
“We are not just delivering equipment – we are opening doors to possibilities,” he said.
“Each laptop becomes a window to the world, every tablet a tool for creativity, and every printer brings learning materials to life in the hands of eager students.”
Since its launch in 2014, the GSIS Adopt-a-School Program has transformed classrooms by equipping schools with laptops, printers, smart televisions, mobile tablets, liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors, sound systems, interactive boards, photocopiers, and security systems.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised GSIS’ Ginhawa for All programs and services, underscoring their lasting impact on students.
“Ito’y hindi panandaliang ginhawa na binibigay ninyo sa aming mga estudyante – ito’y panghabang buhay na ginhawa. Ang biyayang binigay ninyo sa kanila, walang makakabawi – ‘yan ang tunay na kayamanan (This is not a short-term relief that you give to our students – it is a lifelong relief. The blessings you gave them, no one can take back – that’s the real treasure),” he said.
In 2024, GSIS also funded solar panel installations in Mindanao schools, ensuring sustainable and energy-resilient learning environments.
Representing Mina-A Elementary School in Aklan, teacher-in-charge Marry Ann Maglunob expressed gratitude for the technology packages.
“Limited ang resources ng school namin dahil isa ito sa last-mile schools. Malaking tulong po ito mula sa GSIS (Our school’s resources are limited because it is one of the last-mile schools. This is a big help from GSIS),” she said.
Meanwhile, Fredo Rondina, school head of Chico Elementary School in Masbate City, highlighted the program’s benefits.
“This initiative by GSIS is a huge relief, not only for our teachers but also for our learners. Mas nagiging interactive ang klase at mas napapadali ang pagtuturo sa tulong ng makabagong teknolohiya (The class becomes more interactive, and teaching is made easier with the help of modern technology),” Rondina said. (PNA)