The provision of insurance coverage for public school buildings by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) is expected by the Department of Education (DepEd) to support its MATATAG agenda that is being envisioned to provide better quality of basic education for Filipino learners.

The GSIS recently provided fire insurance for more than 132,000 public school buildings under the DepEd effective Jan. 1, 2024 to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s educational infrastructure.

In an official statement on Thursday, the DepEd cited the collaboration as a “critical assistance” that through the GSIS and BTr, the agency can protect its public school buildings under the National Indemnity Insurance Program (NIIP).

The NIIP, an initiative of the BTr, aims to provide adequate and comprehensive insurance protection to critical government assets such as schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges.

“Through this initiative, public schools nationwide will be covered from perils brought about by fire, lightning, and natural catastrophes for one year effective 01 January 2024,” the statement read.

“The year 2024 truly brings renewed hope to our vision of a MATATAG nation. With the support of a whole-of-nation approach, we continue to strive for quality basic education that every Filipino learner deserves,” it added.

According to GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso, the total insurance for public school buildings is worth PHP843.11 billion.

“With the rising frequency of natural calamities, protecting public school buildings becomes a priority of the government. Our partnership with DepEd is a step towards ensuring financial resilience in support of its MATATAG agenda,” Veloso said.

In addition to insuring DepEd’s school buildings, the GSIS has also provided a 24/7 personal accident insurance coverage for all DepEd personnel, covering death, and medical expenses.

Stronger partnership between DepEd and GSIS started last year when Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte and Veloso signed an agreement that provided convenience among public school teachers and other DepEd personnel who visit and transact with the state pension fund.

The agreement also set a yearly dialogue between the DepEd and GSIS. (PNA)