GSIS extends aid to teachers in DSB bus tragedy

By Glazyl Y. Masculino and Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has assured assistance to the families of the 32 teachers from Paglaum Village Elementary School who were involved in a bus accident in Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental, last week.

In a statement dated June 20, released through GSIS Bacolod, GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said that the dependents of the deceased teacher are eligible for various benefits, including death benefit, survivorship benefit, funeral benefit, and personal accident insurance benefit.

He added that injured teachers are eligible for medical reimbursement through their personal accident insurance and can file for an Employee’s Compensation claim related to the accident. “The GSIS is committed to ensure that their benefits are processed swiftly, offering relief during this difficult time,” Veloso said.

On June 14, 42-year-old Arlyn Verde of Murcia town was killed, while her co-teachers were among the 37 who were injured when a Bacolod City government bus overturned in Barangay Igmaya-an due to brake failure. The bus was returning from a team-building event in Sipaway Island, San Carlos City.

The bus was carrying a total of 39 passengers, including its 59-year-old driver and helper, and the teachers’ five immediate family members, when the accident happened on a downhill curve in Barangay Igmaya-an.

Veloso said the GSIS is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure these claims are released promptly.

Following the bus tragedy, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has ordered the suspension of lending or borrowing city government vehicles for safety and proper maintenance check-ups.