SSS, PhilPost note benefits with ID system

THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) and the Social Security Systems (SSS) both see high public benefits once use of Unified Multi-Purpose Identification Systems (Umid) starts.

PhilPost Bacolod postmaster Ronald Vilches said: "Umid is a new identification system, which is said to help facilitate people's transactions with government agencies."

SSS and PhilPost last week came out with the plan to tie-up together for the implementation of the said ID system.

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SSS President Romulo Neri on the other hand said partnership with Philpost widens the usage of Umid card.

He said it would also pave the way for electronic-based remittance services for overseas workers through the Philpost in the future.

All SSS members using Umid would avail services of payments for pensions, loans and other benefits through PhilPost's nationwide network through its 2,200 post offices, with more than half of which at present, functions as money transfer offices.

Vilches said the plan is mutually beneficial to the two agencies, but the most of who would have the benefits are the people.

Vilches said Bacolod PhilPost would become one of the essential players of the program, being the central postal office in Negros Occidental.

SSS earlier announced to provide PhilPost P1-billion loan to be used for upgrading and developing its remittance system.

Umid cards are expected to be available late February or early March this year.

Also, GSIS members will benefit the same privilege, as the agency has been included in the program.

Other government offices that are expected to come out with Umid cards and would be covered by the said identification systems are the Home Development Mutual Fund, (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) and even the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Vilches said that while the electronic technology is fast-growing, it is vital for the government offices to come up with the latest technology that would help in bringing faster benefits to the public.