State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) today signed a Data Sharing Agreement marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to drive digital innovation forward.
The Data Sharing Agreement, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and guidelines set by the National Privacy Commission, aims to facilitate the exchange of data between DICT and GSIS for the development of application programs that will improve the delivery of efficient and quality services to GSIS stakeholders.
Under the agreement, GSIS and DICT will collaborate in the digitalization initiatives which may involve the sharing of personal information of GSIS members and pensioners. This fosters a secure and trustworthy data-sharing environment of both agencies, while ensuring their accountability and responsibility in protecting the GSIS stakeholders data.
Both organizations have appointed dedicated Data Protection Officers who will implement safeguards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the shared information.
By respecting and upholding the rights of data subjects as provided by the Data Privacy Act, GSIS and DICT prioritize the privacy and protection of individuals’ personal information throughout the data sharing process.
“The strategic collaboration between DICT and GSIS is a significant step towards achieving the President’s vision of digitalizing government systems to ensure better services for the transacting public,” GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said.
He added “data sharing is central to the digitalization process. The goal is to simplify transactions, reduce paperwork, and provide the best customer experience to GSIS members.”
During the pension fund’s 86th anniversary program held on May 31, the President praised GSIS for accomplishing a 95% digitalization rate in members’ transactions particularly through the mobile application GSIS Touch and GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks. He highlighted this achievement as the new standard for the public sector.
DICT also cited GSIS as the pioneering agency to embrace E-governance through its GSIS Touch and GSIS Guide to Transactions and Processes (GTAP).
E-governance is a government system that uses information and communication technology (ICTs) to deliver government services, exchange information, and facilitate communication transactions between the government and its citizens.