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Why GSIS Touch Makes Filing Retirement, Separation, and Insurance Claims Faster, Safer, and Easier

In today’s digital-first world, government services are steadily evolving to become more accessible, efficient, and secure. One standout example in the Philippines is GSIS Touch, the official mobile app of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Through GSIS Touch, members can now file retirement, separation, and insurance claims online—anytime, anywhere—without the stress of long queues or piles of paperwork. This article explores the key benefits of online filing via GSIS Touch, and why it’s a game-changer for government employees and retirees.

“Government employee filing GSIS retirement and insurance claims online using the GSIS Touch mobile app”

What Is GSIS Touch?

GSIS Touch is the official mobile application designed to bring GSIS services directly to members’ smartphones. Developed by GSIS, the app allows members to access records, submit claims, and receive updates securely—all without visiting a GSIS branch.

As an official GSIS platform, it reflects the agency’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and member-centered service, reinforcing trust and reliability.

1. File Your Claim from Home—No GSIS Visit Required

One of the biggest advantages of GSIS Touch is convenience. Members can file their retirement, separation, or insurance claims entirely online, even from the comfort of their own homes.

This is especially beneficial for:

  • Senior citizens and retirees

  • Members living far from GSIS offices

  • Busy government employees with limited time

By eliminating the need for physical visits, GSIS Touch reduces travel costs, waiting time, and unnecessary stress—making essential services more accessible to all.

2. Faster, Paperless, and More Efficient Processing

Traditional claims filing often involves multiple forms, photocopies, and repeated follow-ups. GSIS Touch transforms this process into a paperless digital workflow.

Why this matters:

  • Fewer manual steps mean fewer errors

  • Digital submission speeds up validation

  • Reduced paperwork supports eco-friendly practices

With online filing, claims move faster through the system, helping members receive their benefits sooner while supporting GSIS’s push toward modernized public service delivery.

3. Real-Time Updates via App, SMS, and Email

Uncertainty is one of the most frustrating parts of claims processing. GSIS Touch solves this by providing real-time status updates through multiple channels:

  • In-app notifications

  • SMS alerts

  • Email updates

Members are always informed about:

  • Claim submission confirmation

  • Processing progress

  • Approval or release status

This transparency builds trust and reduces the need for follow-up inquiries, allowing members to stay informed every step of the way.

4. Enhanced Security with Facial Recognition Technology

Security is a top concern when it comes to online transactions—and GSIS Touch addresses this with facial recognition technology.

This advanced security feature:

  • Verifies the member’s identity accurately

  • Prevents fraud and unauthorized access

  • Ensures that benefits go to the rightful recipient

By combining biometric verification with secure digital systems, GSIS Touch provides a safer way to file claims compared to traditional paper-based processes.

5. Faster Crediting of Benefits—Immediate Financial Relief

Ultimately, the most important outcome for members is receiving their benefits on time. Because GSIS Touch streamlines processing and reduces delays, benefits are credited faster once approved.

This means:

  • Quicker access to retirement funds

  • Timely insurance proceeds

  • Immediate financial relief during critical life transitions

For retirees and separated employees, faster benefit release can make a significant difference in financial stability and peace of mind.

The online filing of retirement, separation, and insurance claims through GSIS Touch marks a major step forward in public service delivery. By combining convenience, speed, transparency, and security, GSIS empowers its members to manage their benefits with confidence and ease.

If you’re a GSIS member preparing for retirement, separation, or filing an insurance claim, GSIS Touch isn’t just an option—it’s the smarter way forward.

Tralalero Tralala: The Rise of Italy’s Most Viral Brainrot Meme Character

Tralalero Tralala is one of Italy’s most viral Brainrot meme characters, capturing the imagination of TikTok users and AI art enthusiasts alike. Known for his surreal appearance as a blue shark with legs and sneakers, this character has become a central figure in the Italian Brainrot universe, inspiring countless videos, fan art, and merchandise.

AI illustration of Tralalero Tralala, a blue shark with legs wearing Nike shoes on a beach

Origins of Tralalero Tralala

The character first emerged in early 2025 through TikTok users such as @eZburger401, who shared a viral audio clip. Soon after, AI-generated visuals paired with the audio began circulating, with sharks sporting Nike shoes on beaches becoming an iconic depiction.

Tralalero Tralala quickly became a fan-favorite meme character, marking him as one of the first Italian Brainrot characters to achieve mainstream online fame.

Appearance and Characteristics

Tralalero Tralala is typically depicted as:

  • A blue shark with elongated side fins resembling legs.

  • Wearing blue Nike shoes on three feet.

  • Often placed in beach settings with seagulls and waves.

  • In AI-generated videos, he may perform exaggerated actions like boxing or jumping high, emphasizing fun over realism.

Despite appearing weak compared to some other characters, Tralalero Tralala’s popularity often gives him the “win” in fan battles, thanks to creative storytelling and AI manipulation.

Popularity and Meme Culture

Tralalero Tralala’s rise reflects key trends in meme culture:

  • AI-generated content allows for limitless creativity.

  • Surreal, exaggerated visuals make the character highly shareable.

  • TikTok and social media trends accelerate viral spread.

The meme has inspired toys, fan stories, and even holiday-themed versions, making it a fully developed meme universe.

Controversy and Reception

While immensely popular, the meme has drawn criticism for explicit and offensive language in its original audio, which contains blasphemy and adult content. This sparked debates online about appropriate content, especially when brands attempted to use the character in promotional material.

Nonetheless, the meme continues to thrive within communities that focus on AI-generated humor and Brainrot culture, highlighting the fine line between creativity and controversy in internet culture.

Legacy and Impact

Tralalero Tralala’s influence extends beyond memes:

  • Inspires AI art experimentation.

  • Encourages fan-made spin-offs like Los Tralalelitos and holiday-themed versions.

  • Highlights Italian Brainrot culture as a growing global phenomenon.

Even without its original audio, the character’s surreal design and viral nature ensure Tralalero Tralala remains a cultural touchstone in online meme history.

From TikTok origins to AI-generated beach adventures, Tralalero Tralala exemplifies how surreal, meme-based characters capture the imagination in the digital age. While controversial, his legacy as Italy’s most famous Brainrot character is undeniable, showing how creativity, humor, and internet culture converge in unexpected ways.

DepEd Opens Nominations for 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Teachers

The Department of Education (DepEd), through its External Partnerships Service (EPS), has officially announced the call for nominations for the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Teachers, as stated in DepEd Memorandum No. 109, s. 2025.

This prestigious national recognition honors Filipino teachers who have gone beyond excellence in service, leadership, and impact on their learners and communities. For educators across the Philippines, this is both a recognition of lifelong dedication and an opportunity to elevate the teaching profession.

“Filipino teacher recognized for excellence under the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award”

What Is the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award?

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award is one of the country’s most respected honors for public service. It recognizes 10 Filipino exemplars from three sectors:

  • Teachers

  • Soldiers

  • Police Officers

For the teacher category, awardees are celebrated not only for instructional excellence but also for their moral leadership, community involvement, and long-term contribution to Philippine education.

Each national awardee will receive:

  • A medal and trophy

  • A cash incentive of ₱1,000,000 (net of tax)

In addition, national finalists and semi-finalists will also receive cash incentives, making the program both an honor and a meaningful form of support for educators.

Who Can Be Nominated?

The award is open to public or private school teachers in:

  • Elementary level

  • Secondary level

  • Alternative Learning System (ALS)

Schools Division Offices (SDOs) are required to submit at least three nominees—one per level (elementary, secondary, ALS). Each school may nominate one teacher per level, but if multiple schools submit nominees under the same division, the division must select only one official nominee per level for submission to the Metrobank Foundation.

Importantly, past national finalists from the former Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers may still apply, provided they meet all current eligibility requirements.

Key Eligibility Requirements for Teacher Nominees

To ensure the credibility and excellence of awardees, nominees must meet strict criteria, including:

  • At least 10 years of active teaching in the Philippines with a full-time or permanent appointment

  • Full teaching load, or at least six hours per week for those holding allowable administrative roles

  • Master’s degree completed or academic requirements finished, taken within five years prior to nomination

  • Performance rating of at least “Very Satisfactory” (or equivalent) for the last 10 years

  • No leave exceeding two years immediately prior to nomination and at least two years of remaining service before retirement

  • Good moral character with no administrative, civil, or criminal conviction

  • Valid PRC ID (for elementary and secondary categories)

However, individuals who have been national finalists twice or national semi-finalists three times under the Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Teachers (from 2017 onward) are no longer eligible.

Who Can Nominate a Teacher?

Self-nomination is strictly prohibited. Eligible nominators include:

  • School administrators, principals, school heads, TICs, or OICs

  • School Division Superintendents (when applicable)

  • University and college presidents, chancellors, and campus directors

  • Regional directors and division-level chiefs

  • Education supervisors and union leaders

  • PTA presidents, student government leaders

  • Government officials (Salary Grade 24 and above)

  • Journalists, business leaders, religious leaders

  • Civil society, NGO, and professional association leaders

  • Past awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos (1985–present)

Nominators must be of legal age and not related to the nominee within the third civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

How and Where to Submit Nominations

All nominations must be completed online through the official portals:

Supporting resources are also available:

📌 Deadline: January 23, 2026 (Friday), 11:59 p.m.
Late submissions will not be accepted.

Why This Award Matters for Filipino Teachers

Beyond the financial incentive, this award affirms the value of Filipino teachers as nation-builders. It highlights teaching as a profession rooted in service, sacrifice, and transformative impact—especially critical in a time when educators face increasing challenges inside and outside the classroom.

Recognition at this level not only honors individual teachers but also raises the standards and prestige of Philippine education.

Official Contacts for Clarification

For inquiries, you may contact:

  • Mr. Kenny Ralph S. Fernando
    Head, Excellence Awards Unit, Metrobank Foundation
    📞 (02) 8898-8757 / 7255-1612
    📧 kenny.fernando@mbfoundation.org.ph

  • Mr. Rolly V. Soriano
    Project Development Officer IV, DepEd – External Partnerships Service
    📞 (02) 8637-6462 / 63
    📧 rolly.soriano@deped.gov.ph

Educators, school leaders, and communities are encouraged to identify and nominate deserving teachers who embody excellence, integrity, and service. Immediate dissemination of this memorandum is strongly encouraged.

DepEd Rolls Out Computer-Based NCAE for SY 2025–2026

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially announced the administration of the Computer-Based National Career Assessment Examination (CB-NCAE) for School Year 2025–2026 through DepEd Memorandum No. 108, s. 2025. This national assessment plays a critical role in helping Filipino learners understand their strengths, interests, and potential career paths.

Administered by the Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) with support from Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and secondary school personnel, the CB-NCAE is aligned with DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016, ensuring standardized, equitable, and learner-centered testing nationwide.

“Grade 10 learners in a Philippine school taking the DepEd Computer-Based National Career Assessment Examination”

What Is the CB-NCAE and Why It Matters

The National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) is not a pass-or-fail test. Instead, it is a career guidance tool designed to help learners make informed decisions about their academic tracks, senior high school pathways, and future careers.

By shifting to a computer-based format, DepEd aims to modernize assessment delivery while improving efficiency, accuracy, and learner familiarity with digital testing environments.

For parents, educators, and guidance advocates, the CB-NCAE provides reliable data to support counseling and long-term educational planning.

Who Will Take the CB-NCAE and When

According to the memorandum, the CB-NCAE will be administered to all Grade 10 learners currently enrolled in:

  • Public secondary schools

  • Private secondary schools with government permit or recognition

The test will be conducted during regular class days within the national testing window of December 2025 to January 2026.

Specific testing dates will be determined by each Schools Division Office (SDO) in coordination with their respective Regional Offices, allowing flexibility while maintaining national standards.

Test Coverage: Aptitude and Career Interests

The CB-NCAE assesses learners across two major components:

1. General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA)

This measures learners’ cognitive strengths through the following subtests:

  • Abstract Reasoning

  • Logical Reasoning

  • Mechanical Reasoning

  • Numerical Reasoning

  • Spatial Reasoning

  • Verbal Reasoning (English and Filipino)

  • Perceptual Accuracy and Response Efficiency (PARE)

2. Career and Occupational Roles Explorer (CORE)

This evaluates occupational interests and preferences using:

  • CORE-A (RIASEC Model) – explores career interests such as Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional

  • CORE-B (Thurstone Model) – examines work-related preferences and tendencies

Together, these results help learners identify career-aligned senior high school tracks and future professions.

Mock Test and Learner Preparation

To ensure readiness, DepEd mandates a mock test starting December 1, 2025, at least one week before the national administration.

The mock test allows learners to:

  • Familiarize themselves with the computer-based system

  • Practice navigation and item formats

  • Reduce test anxiety

  • Identify potential technical issues early

Schools are encouraged to maximize this activity as part of learner preparation and confidence-building.

Addressing Technology and Connectivity Challenges

DepEd recognizes that not all schools have sufficient functional computer units or stable internet connectivity. To address this, the memorandum encourages resource-sharing and collaboration among nearby schools and partner institutions.

Key provisions include:

  • Temporary transfer of laptops, tablets, or testing equipment

  • Coordination with nearby schools that have adequate facilities

  • Learner transfer allowed only within the same school district

This approach promotes equitable access and ensures that no learner is left behind due to infrastructure limitations.

Support, Orientation, and Inclusive Testing

The BEA will conduct a virtual orientation for:

  • Regional and Division Testing Coordinators

  • Regional and Division IT Officers

  • SDO Private School Supervisors

Details will be provided through a separate advisory to ensure smooth and standardized test administration.

Learners with disabilities may also participate, provided that test accommodations under Section 9 of DO 55, s. 2016 are met. Visually impaired learners, or those with difficulty seeing, may opt to skip image-heavy subtests such as Abstract Reasoning, Mechanical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, and PARE.

All CB-NCAE-related activities must strictly follow health and safety protocols.

Official Source and Contact Information

This information is based on DepEd Memorandum No. 108, s. 2025, issued by the Department of Education Central Office. For clarifications, schools and stakeholders may contact:

Bureau of Education Assessment – Education Assessment Division
DepEd Central Office, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
Email: bea.ead@deped.gov.ph
Telephone: (02) 8631-2589

Guiding Learners Toward Informed Futures

The CB-NCAE for SY 2025–2026 underscores DepEd’s commitment to career guidance, inclusivity, and digital transformation in Philippine education. With proper preparation, coordination, and support, this assessment will empower Grade 10 learners to better understand themselves—and confidently plan their next steps.

Ensuring Safer Schools: DepEd Strengthens Fire Safety Compliance Across the Philippines

In 2025, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) reported 26 fire incidents affecting DepEd schools nationwide. This alarming statistic underscores the need for strict adherence to the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514). To safeguard learners, personnel, and public investments in education, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued a reiteration of DepEd Order No. 28, s. 2016, emphasizing fire safety compliance across all public schools.

Schools are not just learning hubs—they are communities that must be safe from preventable hazards. Fire safety, therefore, is not optional. It is a legal and moral obligation reinforced by RA 9514 and several DepEd orders, ensuring that schools implement proactive measures to prevent disasters.

DepEd school conducting fire drill with visible fire safety equipment and clear emergency exit signs

Key Objectives of DepEd Order No. 28, s. 2016

The memorandum sets out multiple objectives:

  • Minimize fire risks by enforcing strict observance of fire safety regulations.

  • Institutionalize reporting through regular Fire Safety Compliance Reports from all schools.

  • Ensure accountability for principals and personnel, aligning responsibilities with DepEd issuances.

  • Funding of fire safety initiatives via Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) or Disaster Preparedness and Response Program (DPRP) funds.

This framework ensures that safety protocols are actionable, monitored, and accountable, creating a culture of preparedness in every school.

Understanding the Guidelines

The guidelines provide a detailed rationale, scope, and definitions to clarify responsibilities.

  • Rationale: Persistent fire incidents and BFP reports of non-compliance prompted the reiteration. The aim is to reinforce fire safety awareness and compliance.

  • Scope: Applies to all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide. Compliance is mandatory.

  • Definitions:

    • Fire² – the active principle of burning.

    • Fire Code – the safety measures prescribed in RA 9514.

    • Fire Safety – prevention and suppression of all types of destructive fires.

These definitions ensure that all personnel understand the technical and legal framework of fire safety.

Policy Statement & Procedures

The DepEd Order strengthens the Fire Safety and Awareness Program (FSAP) by:

  1. Defining roles across DepEd offices, from school heads to central management.

  2. Establishing procedures for inspections, drills, and reporting.

  3. Partnering with BFP and DILG to ensure coordinated and sustainable fire safety programs.

Four main initiatives for schools:

  • School Fire Safety Plan

  • Fire Safety Inspections

  • Fire Drills and Lectures for Personnel

  • Quarterly Fire Drills and Lectures for Learners

Schools are also encouraged to integrate drills for other hazards such as earthquakes and floods.

School Fire Safety Measures

1. School Fire Safety Plan
Each school must develop a comprehensive plan including:

  • Hazard identification and mitigation

  • Fire safety precautions for learners and staff

  • Activation of School Fire Brigades and Kiddie/Junior Fire Marshals

2. Addressing Common Violations

  • Rectify hazardous electrical wiring

  • Ensure unobstructed and clearly marked emergency exits

  • Prevent electrical overloads

  • Maintain proper housekeeping, especially in labs and technical-vocational areas

3. Fire Extinguisher Compliance

Schools must adhere to strict installation, maintenance, markings, and selection standards:

  • Installation: Accessible, visible, with proper height placement

  • Maintenance: Monthly inspections and annual servicing

  • Markings: Clear instructions for proper use

  • Selection: Appropriate for the types of hazards present

4. Coordination with BFP

Schools must facilitate inspections and submit a Plan of Action within one month to address violations. Prompt compliance is mandatory, ensuring life-saving measures are implemented without delay.

Reporting and Accountability

Enhanced reporting protocols streamline monitoring across all levels:

  • Schools report to Division DRRM Coordinators

  • Divisions consolidate reports to Regional Offices

  • Regional Offices submit a comprehensive summary to the Central Office (DRRMS)

Reporting templates ensure consistency:

  • Fire Safety Drills and Lectures Template

  • Fire Safety Inspection Template

Reports must be submitted as a consolidated document in dual format (PDF/JPEG and editable Excel) to ensure authenticity and ease of monitoring.

Shared Responsibility for Safer Schools

The reiteration of DepEd Order No. 28, s. 2016 highlights the Philippines’ commitment to fire safety in schools. Compliance is a collective responsibility involving principals, teachers, learners, and the Bureau of Fire Protection. By implementing comprehensive fire safety plans, conducting regular drills, maintaining equipment, and submitting standardized reports, schools can create a secure environment that protects lives, prevents property loss, and promotes a culture of preparedness.

Fire safety is not just a mandate—it is a duty to every learner, educator, and stakeholder in Philippine education.

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