GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso. Photo courtesy of PNA.
Crossing turbulent seas between islands just to reach the remote and isolated communities of the archipelago, teams from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) disregard risks to life and limb in order to deliver much-needed technology and learning tools to schools across the country.
Under its Adopt-a-School Program (ASP), GSIS continue to brave challenging bodies of tidal waters to bring smart television sets, computer laptops and other essential equipment to partner schools listed as beneficiaries of the program.
In Eastern Samar, a GSIS team crossed the Pacific Ocean near the historic island of Homonhon to deliver smart TVs and laptops to the Homonhon National High School, bringing vital technology and learning tools to students in one of the country’s remote island communities.
Further expanding its outreach, GSIS has also conducted the turnover of technology and learning items to Liponpon Elementary School in Isla Verde near Batangas City. The donations included laptops, printers, smart TVs, electric fans, speakers and portable energy storage units to improve classroom conditions and enhance access to digital learning.
The donated equipment were transported via sea ambulance across the Verde Island Strait, a 100-kilometer long strait passage connecting to the South China Sea. From the Port, the team then had to trek uphill to reach the school perched atop a mountain.
In addition to these schools, GSIS likewise turned over educational and technology equipment to Malilipot Central School in Albay and Bacak Elementary School in Catanduanes.
According to GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso, the island-bridging activities form part of the GSIS ASP, which supports President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s call to improve access to quality education and ensure that “no Filipino learner is left behind” just because of geography or limited resources.
“Hindi dapat hadlangan ng distansya o lokasyon ang pagkakataon ng isang batang Pilipino na magkaroon ng dekalidad na edukasyon. Kung kinakailangang tawirin ang dagat upang makarating ang tulong, gagawin natin ito,” GM Veloso pointed out in the vernacular.
The ASP initiative forms part of a broader GSIS initiative that will provide ₱12 million worth of technology packages and essential learning equipment to some 30 public schools nationwide, particularly those located in underserved communities.
Veloso disclosed that its success has been assured through their partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) which provides each recipient school under ASP will receive a ₱400,000 assistance package consisting of information and communications technology equipment, furniture and appliances tailored to its specific needs.
In ending, GSIS’s top executive enthused that the program will help the educational sector reach its goal of providing quality education to every corner of the country through digital technology, modern tools and equipment and higher standards of teaching.
“This is an investment in educational equity and the future of our young learners. By bringing digital tools and modern equipment to schools, especially those in remote and underserved communities, we are creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed,” Veloso concluded.
