GSIS takes on Globe to service 1.7M govt employees 

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has partnered with Globe Telecom on operating over 1,000 automated kiosks nationwide to service 1.7 million GSIS members, Globe said in a statement Thursday.   The project exemplifies the effective use of ICT enabling expedient public service, said Globe Business head Jesus Romero.   The pension fund for government employees specifically tapped telco unit Globe Business, which specializes in small, medium and large enterprises, to roll-out the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System or GWAPS kiosks.   GWAPS is a secure system that performs remote, paperless transactions and enables GSIS members to apply for loans and update and check personal records.   It looks like an ATM and features world-class technologies such as biometrics, virtual private networks, and radio-frequency identification recognition.   GSIS plans to roll-out 350 units this year in typhoon-affected areas. This is  apart from those that will be placed in government offices and other places all over the country, according to Globe.   “Our 1.7 million members and pensioners don’t have to visit our offices to apply for their loans, check their records or request to update their accounts,” according to GSIS president and general manager Robert G. Vergara.   Globe and GSIS are business partners for over a decade now, especially in information, communications and technology (ICT) solutions spanning voice, mobile, and data connectivity.   GWAPS is one of pension funds innovative projects yet, said Romero. — VS, GMA News