GSIS taps Globe unit for high-tech kiosks

MANILA, Philippines - State-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has tapped a unit of Ayala-controlled Globe Telecom for the deployment of more than 1,000 high-tech kiosks to benefit 1.7 million government workers.

GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara said in a statement that the government-owned pension fund manager and Globe Business intends to deploy additional 350 units of GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks to beef up the existing 750 kiosks.

“Our 750 kiosks deployed across the country offer greater convenience to our 1.7 million members and pensioners. They can apply for their loans, check their records or request to update their accounts, without the need to visit our offices,” Vergara stressed.

He pointed out that the additional kiosks would be deployed mostly in typhoon-affected areas.

“In all, GWAPS kiosks in GSIS offices nationwide as well as in other government offices will number more than 1,000, ready to serve millions of government workers and pensioners when they perform transactions such as updating of personal records and loan applications,” he added.

GWAPS is a secure system that performs remote, paperless transactions. A GWAPS kiosk resembles an ATM and adopts world-class technologies such as radio-frequency identification or RFID recognition, biometrics and virtual private networks.

The easy-to-use terminals are powered by Globe Business and allow GSIS members to carry out various transactions through the GWAPS including loan applications and checking of personal records.

Globe Business head Jesus Romero said the GWAPS project is one of most innovative projects initiated by Globe and GSIS leveraging on the ICT competencies of the telecom provider to provide simple, seamless, and relevant services to millions of state workers and pensioners.

Through GWAPS, he explained that millions of government workers and pensioners need not travel to GSIS offices and could instead process transactions in a quick and easy manner.

“This is truly an example of expedient public service, made possible through the effective use of ICT by Globe,” Romero added.

Globe Telecom has been in partnership with the GSIS for over a decade, with ICT solutions spanning voice, mobile and data connectivity.

Aside from the GSIS, Globe Business has been successfully collaborating with various government offices in employing relevant products and services that enhance the level of service given to the public sector.