May 25, 2023
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Wick Veloso, accompanied by Postmaster General Luis Carlos of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC), conducted this morning, an ocular inspection of the fire-ravaged Manila Central Post Office Building.
"In light of the extensive damage to this historic building, GSIS is working closely with national and local authorities to hasten its restoration," the pension fund chief said.
Veloso said that GSIS is particularly coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection to accelerate the conclusion of its report.
“This crucial step will empower BA Insight, our adjuster, to deliver its findings promptly and enable GSIS to issue the fire insurance claim check to the Philippine Postal Corporation,” he added.
GSIS has insured the Manila Central Post Office building and its contents for Php604 million. Initial assessment of the BFP placed the estimated damage to the gutted iconic building at Php300 million.
In an earlier interview, Veloso mentioned that GSIS is prepared to provide its Pasig City warehouse as a temporary workspace for PPC employees. This measure aims to guarantee uninterrupted operations while restoration activities are under way.
"We recognize our obligation to our client, PPC, to deliver prompt and effective service, enabling the agency to swiftly return to its vital role of serving the public. We believe that by working in concert with other government agencies, our collective efforts can yield long-lasting, positive outcomes."
The Manila Central Post Office Building was inaugurated in 1927 and designed by leading Filipino architects Tomas Mapua and Juan Arellano. It was declared as an Important Cultural Property (ICP) by the National Museum in 2018. The building is also renowned for its neoclassical architecture and wide collection of stamps.
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