Driving the news:
GSIS Chair Rodolfo del Rosario and Officer in Charge Juliet Bautista led the ceremonial shoveling along McArthur Highway, joined by other executives and staff from the VisMin Operations Group.
“This project represents our promise to bring government service closer to the people,” del Rosario said. “We are building not just a new office but a stronger connection with our members in Mindanao.”
Bautista added: “This groundbreaking reflects our commitment to strengthen our presence across the country and deliver quality service in facilities that meet the needs of our members.”
Why it matters:
The Davao branch, established in 1957, is one of GSIS’s oldest. From serving 8,000 members with a 10-person team, it now covers over 47,000 active members and 16,000 pensioners in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and nearby provinces.
Context:
The old branch closed in 2019 due to structural concerns after repeated earthquakes. The new two-story building will rise on the same site, designed to be resilient, accessible, and member-focused.
Between the lines:
The groundbreaking included a virtual exhibit, “Past Echoes, Future Visions,” tracing the branch’s history and growth, and a townhall meeting with employees from GSIS Davao, Kidapawan, and Tagum branches.
What they’re saying:
“This is about providing Ginhawa for all, with our members at the heart of everything,” said Atty. Isagani del Rosario, Acting SVP for the VisMin operations group.
What’s next:
Once completed, the new branch will expand frontline capacity, improve accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and offer a modern environment for delivering GSIS’s services—from loan applications and claims processing to pension concerns. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
