GSIS service unit opens to bring its services closer to members
About 5,821 GSIS active members in the City of Koronadal and neighboring cities and municipalities are expected to benefit from the newly opened Government Service Insurance System Service Unit (GSU) in the basement of City Hall in the hope to bring its services closer to its members.
Officially launched on December 13, 2021, the aforementioned service unit will offer front-line services including: receiving loans, complaints and other inquiries, including issuing checks and UMID cards. The unit will also cater the needs of Authorized Agency Agents (AAOs).
Due to the pandemic, normal working hours will begin from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The unit adheres to local directives pertaining to the observance of health protocols, as well as in the observance of city local celebrations. If the unit is locked down due to GSU personnel exposure to Covid-19 virus, members and retirees have an alternative transaction option. They can submit their application and other request online or via the GWAPS Kiosk and soon also via the GSIS mobile application, the GSIS Touch.
Furthermore, GSIS retirees are allowed to negotiate in the aforementioned unit. They can have their APIR and can apply for an old age pension loan. Additionally, other members from other cities such as Cotabato City can also transact with the GSU at their convenience.
To officially open the said unit, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. As part of the MOA, the city government provides appropriate services such as, but not limited to, power consumption and internet connectivity, including security and protection of the promises.
GSIS Vice President, Core Business Sector- Mindanao Office, VP Vilma L. Fuentes said at the launch that she was so overwhelmed by the support of the city government. According to her, the real reason they were able to establish an office is due to the constant follow-up of the Regional Development Council XII headed by Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos. “Now I understand why the RDC is really pushing for a service desk here in Koronadal and I assure you that I will cooperate with you to deliver the “ginhawa for all program” and we need to deliver a “totoong ginhawa” to the members of the GSIS”, she said.
On the other hand, City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena said that the role of his administration is to ensure that all regional offices are relocated to Koronadal. “According to GenSan Branch Manager Mendoza, they will serve around 10,000 clients, including Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, especially South Cotabato … I want people doing transactions here from outside to be comfortable, as well as people from Koronadal and other LGUs. This is a great thing for the employee, as they no longer need to go to General Santos City to transact “, the Mayor said.
GSIS will shortly be launching its GSIS Touch with a GWAP-like feature in response to the new normal wherein a member does not have to leave their home but can conduct online transactions from the comfort of their own home.