GSIS members can access data via text

Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS) members can now access up-to-date transaction information with the state insurance fund via text messaging on Smart and Talk ‘N Text cellphones.

Dubbed "GSIS Info-Text", GSIS members can access their outstanding loan balance, inquire into the status of individual loan applications, and find out their maximum loanable amount directly through their Smart and Talk ‘N Text mobile phones.

The new service was developed by Diversified Financial News Network (DFNN) in cooperation with cellular leader Smart Communications Inc.

"GSIS Info-Text is a clear example of how mobile digital communications can be used to improve the delivery of government services," according to Smart president and chief executive officer Napoleon Nazareno.

To use the service, GSIS members must first register by typing "GSIS REG <policy number> <last name>,<first name>" (eg., GSIS REG 1234567890123 Dela Cruz, Juan), then sending it to Smart access number 248.

If the member wants to inquire about outstanding salary loan balance, he/she should type GSIS SLBAL. Keying in GSIS SSTAT, meanwhile, will give one’s salary loan application status. If the member wants to find out his/her maximum loanable amount, he/she types in GSIS SLAMT. All is sent to Smart access number 248.

"These are just some of the initial service offerings. In the next month, we intend to expand the service to include other GSIS transactions as well," GSIS president and general manager Winston Garcia said. – Mary Ann Reyes