The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) headquarters in Pasay City has secured the safety seal certification for compliance with the Covid-19 minimum health protocols.
In a statement, Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, GSIS president and general manager, said the pension fund was awarded the safety seal certificate by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Macasaet said DILG certification assures the public that standard public health and safety protocols are being observed in the GSIS head office to protect clients from Covid-19.
"We support the national government in reopening the economy safely. GSIS voluntarily applied for the certification so that our members and pensioners will feel safe transacting in our office,” Macasaet said.
GSIS's application was based on the Joint Memorandum Circular No.21-01 on the Implementing Guidelines of the Safety Seal Certification Program issued by several government departments.
“These measures have actually been in place since we reopened to the public after quarantine restrictions were eased in 2020," Macasaet said.
GSIS provided hand washing stations with soap, sanitizers, and tissues near the entrance of the building.
GSIS also adopted StaySafe.ph, a contact tracing mobile app, since February 2021 to minimize using the fillable health declaration forms by clients and employees. Their body temperatures are also obtained using a thermal scanner.
A computer system, which automatically counts people inside the building, was also installed to monitor compliance with Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ capacity requirements.
To guide them on social distancing, physical barriers are placed in client counters and cafeteria as well as markers in elevators and corridors.
“GSIS personnel and security guards remind clients and employees to wear their masks properly and observe other safety protocols while inside the premises,” the pension fund said.
Windows and doors of closed spaces are opened regularly to ensure air circulation. Cleaning and disinfection are conducted twice every day.
Isolation tents are available for employees and clients with Covid-19 symptoms.
The safety seal certification is valid for six months until Sept. 17, 2022 and renewable subject to continued compliance with the eligibility requirements.