Nineteen dependents of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) members and pensioners have completed the first batch of training under the GSIS-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) partnership program in Davao, marking the initial milestone of the pension fund’s effort to expand livelihood opportunities for members’ families.
In a news release on Monday, GSIS said the graduates finished the Bread and Pastry Production course and are now qualified to undergo TESDA competency assessment for National Certification, an industry-recognized credential that could enhance their employment and entrepreneurship prospects.
The initiative supports the administration’s drive to strengthen technical-vocational education and provide free skills training to unemployed dependents of GSIS members and pensioners.
GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the program reflects the state pension fund’s commitment to helping improve the lives of members’ families even before retirement.
“We did not wait for retirement to make a difference in these families. We made it now, while it could still change the shape of someone’s year, not just their old age,” he said.
Veloso described the initiative as part of the GSIS’ “social dividend,” saying it seeks to create opportunities for members’ spouses, children and siblings to develop employable skills and build sustainable livelihoods while their loved ones remain in government service.
The pilot program, approved by the GSIS Board of Trustees, is also being rolled out through Automotive Servicing training in Cebu and Cookery training in Legazpi.
It is open to unemployed spouses, children or siblings of active GSIS members and pensioners who are at least 18 years old, reside within the pilot areas and meet TESDA qualification requirements.
Representing the GSIS Board of Trustees, Trustee Evelina Escudero said the first graduation validated the Board’s decision to support the initiative. She added that the Board is looking at expanding the program beyond the three pilot sites after evaluating its initial implementation. (PNA)
