NEWS RELEASE|| August 20, 2026 -𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐄𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚, 𝐆𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

BUTUAN CITY, August 18, 2026 – The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga Regional Office, through the Administrative Services Division headed by Chief Joel B. Rosales, in partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), conducted the GSIS-DepEd Convergence on August 18, 2026, at the Gold Hall of DepEd Caraga.

The event brought together key officials and technical personnel from both agencies. The GSIS delegation was led by Diosdado M. San Antonio, CESO III (Chief of Staff, Board of Trustees), and Atty. Santiago D. Villafuerte (Officer II, Board of Trustees). DepEd Caraga was represented by Regional Director Allan G. Farnazo and Assistant Regional Director Pedro T. Escobarte Jr., alongside Schools Division Superintendents, Human Resource Management Officers, Agency Authorized Officers (AAOs), Electronic Remittance File (ERF) handlers, and payroll personnel from across the region’s Schools Division Offices.

Other GSIS officials in attendance included Butuan Branch Manager Troy L. Palermo, Surigao City Branch Manager Chariss Jo M. dela Cruz, Division Chief for Billing, Collection, and Reconciliation Anesia Joy C. Eralino, along with Staff Officers III Rosellia A. Lozarie, Dennis D. Torcende, Allan C. Verona, and Melchora C. Agra, and Staff Officer II Dodjebelle D. Becalla.

The activity highlighted the importance of ensuring accurate and updated GSIS membership records, proper remittance of contributions, and efficient processing of loans, claims, and benefits. It also served as a platform for discussing and resolving issues related to payroll deductions, premium remittances, billing reconciliation, and other GSIS-related transactions.

During the discussions, participants engaged in data validation and record reconciliation between GSIS and DepEd offices. The convergence also strengthened collaboration among GSIS personnel, DepEd Regional and Division Offices, AAOs, ERF handlers, and payroll officials to improve service delivery for teaching and non-teaching personnel.

The activity further emphasized accountability and compliance with existing GSIS laws, policies, and regulations while identifying process improvements that would streamline transactions and enhance services for government employees.

Through this initiative, DepEd Caraga continues to uphold its commitment to excellent public service by fostering collaboration, improving organizational processes, and ensuring that personnel receive the benefits and services they are entitled to.

By: Erma D. Pagapong

Public Affairs Unit

DepEd Caraga

𝗘𝗡𝗗

For more information, contact (085) 221-1151, 0961-737-0873, or 0915-808-4734. Website: www.caraga.deped.gov.ph; email: caraga@deped.gov.ph; pau_caraga@deped.gov.ph

See more photos through this link