GSIS, PLDT boost cybersecurity for resilience

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has renewed its partnership with PLDT Enterprise and VITRO Inc. to enhance its disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.

The collaboration aims to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to GSIS members and pensioners, particularly during natural calamities.

“The GSIS is embarking on a significant initiative that will enhance its disaster recovery plan and help ensure that reliable service is available to our members and pensioners anytime, anywhere,” GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said in a statement.

The new three-year agreement will leverage VITRO Inc.’s colocation services and secure data center infrastructure, ensuring GSIS operations remain uninterrupted even during disasters.

Additionally, PLDT Enterprise will provide network services and IPVPN backhaul to support infrastructure connectivity, ensuring data travels the shortest and fastest route to its destination.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the colocation service for the disaster recovery site of GSIS. Our aim is to ensure that in the event of calamities, GSIS can continue to uphold the welfare of government employees and their families, ensure timely delivery of social benefits, and foster financial security,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Core Business.

In this partnership, PLDT Enterprise and VITRO Inc. reaffirm their commitment to supporting digital transformation and providing technology that enhances service efficiency.

“A crucial part of digitalization is uptime. This is true not just for enterprises, but more so for government agencies serving Filipinos across the country. This, in fact, is the true value of this partnership between GSIS, VITRO, and PLDT Enterprise—our joint commitment to provide reliable and uninterrupted public service to the Filipino people,” said Viboy Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc.

Earlier this month, GSIS also hired Sycip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV), and Ernst and Young (EY) to develop a new plan for its IT infrastructure to improve capabilities and processes. Additionally, GSIS launched the GSIS Digital ID integrated into the GSIS Touch mobile app, enhancing service efficiency and security, reducing fraud, and improving access to services.

The state-run insurer’s initiatives align with PLDT’s broader goal of enabling the country’s digital transformation, offering solutions tailored to evolving business needs.

VITRO Inc. operates the largest network of carrier-neutral data centers in the Philippines, a pioneering effort spanning over two decades.