The Alliance of Concerned Teachers hailed the successful dialogue between the Alliance of Concerned Teachers – Negros Island Region Union (ACT-NIR Union) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Bacolod Branch on October 22 that resulted in the immediate approval of education loan reapplications that were mistakenly disapproved in recent months.
During the dialogue, GSIS Bacolod Branch Manager Cecilia Tenaja confirmed that the mistakenly disapproved reapplications have been approved “immediately.” Many teachers became emotional upon hearing this news, as they would no longer face the burden of worrying about school expenses for their children. The dialogue clarified that the disapprovals resulted from “miscommunication” and “misunderstanding” between GSIS and the Schools Divisions regarding the “enhanced policy” on approving new applications.
According to a press release, the dialogue also revealed that teachers in Bacolod were not the only ones affected. GFAL-EL reapplications were also disapproved in Himamaylan and San Carlos, and possibly in other areas of Negros Occidental. Teacher-members of ACT-NIR Union actively participated and voiced their grievances during the dialogue.
“This victory is not just for Bacolod but for the entire Negros Occidental, and serves as a case study for other regions in the country,” ACT-NIR union interim secretary general Mary Grace Abellar stated. “However, we will not stop struggling until GSIS policies become clear and, above all, serve the welfare of teachers.”
The GSIS Bacolod Branch committed to process the mistakenly disapproved reapplications of the affected teachers who signed the position paper submitted by ACT-NIR Union. Other affected teachers in the Divisions of Bacolod City, Himamaylan, and San Carlos who were unable to sign the position paper can also expect calls within 24 hours.
A significant outcome of the dialogue was the agreement between GSIS Bacolod Branch and ACT-NIR Union to invite the union to all GSIS Bacolod Branch meetings. The agreement will be formalized in the coming weeks through a Memorandum of Agreement between the two organizations.
Ruby Bernardo, ACT National chairperson, expressed solidarity with the Negros teachers. “The victory of ACT-NIR Union demonstrates the power of collective action and genuine unionism. When teachers organize and assert their rights, even institutions like GSIS must listen and act. This should inspire all teachers nationwide to join their unions and fight for their welfare and benefits.”
The union continues to stand for justice for all teachers. Greater victories await through continued collective struggle and action.*
