BANTAYAN Island, Cebu -- To prove that its new service works, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) unveiled a voice-activated system for its members on a picturesque island located in the western portion of the northernmost tip of Cebu.

"If this will work in Bantayan Island, it will work anywhere," said GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia, in a briefing here. Garcia said the service is being launched as part of its modernization program.

Garcia said the government corporation tested the service in several states in the United States prior to the local launch. The service was tested in Washington, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hawaii.

"This system removes the need for them to go to GSIS office to renew their pension status. People can remotely do this now via a phone call," he said, as he explained how the system intends to further cut down queues in their offices nationwide.

The voice-activated service, dubbed GSIS Voice Activated Processing System (G-VAPS) will allow its 1.2 million members to transact with the GSIS using their unique voice as their "electronic signature," Garcia said.

Currently, it will allow members to use the system to apply and process loans. It can also be used by pensioners to renew their status to active members. Members can go to GSIS office to record their voice after presenting proper identities.

"This is voluntary but it provides them convenience," the government executive said when asked if he expects all members to avail of this new service.

The GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosk remains another option to apply for loans, the government executive said.

Garcia said the GSIS voice-activated system was customized by its own information technology department using software the government corporation acquired. The government corporation has spent around P500 to P600 million to computerize its operations.

The voice-activated service is one of the recent services it developed. With this system, members and pensioners need only call a GSIS Teleservice domestic toll free number.

"This is a fulfillment of a dream or a vision to make services available to members anytime, anywhere," he said, as he stressed that this new service will be available 24 hours, seven days a week.

Garcia said that the system is secure, and would be able to detect "tape-recorded" voice.