In a strategic move to enhance member education and combat the spread of fake news, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) have established a Speakers’ Bureau. This initiative was formalized during a meeting at the GSIS head office in Pasay City, led by GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso and PGEA national president Esperanza Ocampo.
The Speakers’ Bureau aims to serve as a robust platform for disseminating accurate information about GSIS benefits, programs, and services. It will also facilitate open dialogues to address and correct disinformation among government employees. Veloso emphasized the bureau’s role in ensuring that members have direct access to reliable information, stating, “Partnering with PGEA strengthens our ability to effectively reach all government offices and support every public servant.”
Launched during the National Government Employees Week on December 4, 2024, the initiative underscores a commitment to transparency and truth. Ocampo highlighted the importance of the bureau in ensuring that accurate information reaches public servants nationwide, adding, “By actively dispelling fake news and fostering transparent communication, we steadfastly uphold our dedication to truth and clarity.”
To support this effort, GSIS will conduct training sessions for PGEA leaders, turning them into ambassadors who will educate members on various topics, including insurance, retirement planning, loan programs, emergency assistance, and new digital services. Veloso noted that the bureau’s ultimate goal is to promote critical thinking and encourage government employees to verify information before sharing it.
Founded in 1945, PGEA is a prominent advocate for civil servants, representing them in various governing boards, including GSIS, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.