Support for GSIS reforms gains momentum

The Confederation of Government Employees Organizations (COGEO) yesterday expressed its support for the reform agenda of Government System Insurance System (GSIS) president Winston Garcia.

COGEO is composed of more than 100 professional and rank-and-file employee organizations.

"Efforts to reform age-old policies, procedures, and practices necessarily result in changes which more often than not are initially resisted by those who become directly affected by the same. We are confident that the initial resistance to such changes and improvements are temporary inconveniences. We know that the full benefits and effects of the reforms instituted by GSIS president Garcia will be realized," the COGEO manifesto read.

It was signed by all three COGEO vice presidents, namely, Virginia Nañagas-Bactad (Luzon), Eulinia M. Valdezco (Visayas) and Francisco Romantico (Mindanao).

In a related development, the officers and members of the Philippine Association of School Superintendents Inc. likewise endorsed the reforms in the GSIS through a manifesto signed by its president, Dr. Elenita Martinez.

Martinez said that the measures being instituted by the GSIS are causing inconveniences. However, she stressed that these are temporary.

"Ultimately, these reforms are meant to serve the members and the system well," she added.

Still another government employee organization, the Philippine Elementary School Principals Association has voiced its support for GSIS reforms, saying that shouting in the streets and demanding resignations are not the answer to the agency’s present woes.