DepEd-ARMM cited for prompt payment of teachers’ loans

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012215
• Tuesday, October 10, 2017

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) has received citations from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for its efficiency in the collection of loan repayments from teachers.

John Magno, DepE -ARMM secretary, said on Monday that ARMM teachers are now recovering from troubles caused by corruption practices of previous education officials with regards to GSIS remittances and loan repayments.

Former education officials had embezzled millions of government funds before the current administration assumed office in 2013.

Magno said the government workers insurance firm has restored the grant of loans to ARMM teachers after DepEd-ARMM settled its premium arrears that went as far as year 2000.

Due to the non-payment of previous ARMM officials on its obligations with GSIS, teachers were denied the firm’s benefits to its members.

Magno said his efforts to settle his office obligation with GSIS earned him the citation, but he refused to claim credit although the citation had his name on it.

“All honor and recognition goes to the employees of DepEd-ARMM for their painstaking effort of resolving the problems they had with GSIS,” Magno said of the recognition he received in Koronadal City where the GSIS regional office is located.

Besides addressing DepEd-ARMM obligations with GSIS, Magno also helped ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman cleanse the department of ghost teachers, pupils and schools, saving the government millions of funds.

Magno added that his office’s periodic remittances to GSIS are also done in the most transparent manner.