• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is providing claim benefits to the family of a Paglaum Village Elementary School teacher who died, and others injured, in a bus accident June 14 in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental.
“The GSIS is committed to ensure that their benefits are processed swiftly, offering relief during this difficult time,” GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said in a statement June 21.
Teacher Arlyn Tolosa Verde, 42, of Barangay Minoyan in Murcia, and more than 30 other teachers of the Paglaum Village Elementary School in Bacolod, were onboard a city-owned bus on their way back from a teambuilding event in Sipaway Island, San Carlos City, when it fell on its side along the road in Don Salvador Benedicto.
This incident, which resulted in the unfortunate death of Verde, and injuries to more than 30 teachers and staff members, “has profoundly affected our community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez earlier said, adding that the city provided hospital assistance to all the victims.
The GSIS, meanwhile, said that the dependents of Verde are eligible for death, survivorship, funeral, and personal accident insurance benefits.
The injured teachers, on the other hand, are eligible for medical reimbursement through their personal accident insurance, and should file for an Employee’s Compensation claim related to the accident, Veloso said.
“The GSIS is closely working with the Department of Education to ensure that these claims are released promptly,” he added. | CGC
