With the easing of community quarantine restrictions, the country is slowly regaining a sense of normalcy. Now that most parts of the nation are under either the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), many business and retail establishments have been allowed to reopen under certain conditions.
Robinsons Malls, one of the country’s largest mall operators, has reopened in areas under GCQ. While mall operations remain limited, it is a welcome development for Filipinos who can once again avail themselves of government services through the Robinson Malls Lingkod Pinoy Center (RMLPC).
Housing various government agencies including the Social Security System, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) under one roof, RMLPC has made transacting with government institutions easy, comfortable, and convenient. As Robinsons Malls strictly follows the recommended public health guidelines, completing transactions at the Lingkod Pinoy Center is also quite safe.
One of the first government agencies to reopen was SSS at Robinsons Place Valencia in Bukidnon. Serving members from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., this SSS branch offers loan cheque releasing and funeral benefits. Some regular services, however, such as new member registrations and applications for unified multi-purpose identification cards, are currently unavailable due to several factors, including the guidelines put in place to combat COVID-19. A limited number of employees are allowed to be on duty at the branch and plastic barriers shield the service counters. There's a “no mask, no entry” rule for all members transacting at the branch. Unless he or she is a person with disability, companions are not allowed.
Social or physical distancing is strictly observed and only 10 members are allowed inside the branch at any given time. Minors, pregnant women, and senior citizens are not allowed inside the office. Body temperature scanning is also being implemented while rubbing alcohol and/or hand sanitizers are available for members.
Aside from RP Valencia, SSS offices are also open in RP Dasmariñas, RP Imus, RP Palawan, RP Naga, RP Dumaguete, RP Ormoc, RP Roxas, RP GenSan, Robinsons Galleria South, Robinsons Angeles, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Sta. Rosa, RP Ilocos, RP Manila, Robinsons Luisita, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, RP Butuan, Robinsons Town Mall Malabon, Robinsons Novaliches, RP Jaro, Robinsons Otis, Robinsons Cagayan de Oro, RP Pangasinan, and Robinsons Place Tagum.
PAG-IBIG, also a standalone branch at RP Valencia, is open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. and offers registration, application of loans, loan payment, and loyalty card services. Like the SSS, PAG-IBIG follows strict health and safety protocols.
Other PAG-IBIG offices are also open at the following Robinsons Malls: RP Ilocos, General Trias, RP Imus, RP Naga, RP Antique, RP Butuan, RP Iligan, RP Valencia, RP Dasmariñas, RP Jaro, RP Las Piñas, Robinsons Luisita, Robinsons Town Mall Malabon, Robinsons Starmills, Robinsons Novaliches, RP Santiago, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Galleria South, RP North Tacloban (open Monday, Thursday, and Friday), and RP Ormoc (open Monday, Thursday, and Friday).
To cater to the needs of its members, PhilHealth is now open at the following malls: RP Palawan, RP Jaro, RP Roxas, Robinsons Luisita, and Robinsons Galleria South. Members may now avail themselves of the following services: new member registration, MDR print out, ID releasing, payment verification, amendment or updating of members’ record, and other inquiries.
Another government office that has reopened at various Robinsons Malls locations is the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Branch offices are open at Robinsons Galleria, RP Manila, Robinsons Novaliches, RP Las Pinas, Robinsons Sta. Rosa in Laguna, RP Pangasinan, RP Dasmariñas, RP Ilocos in Ilocos Norte, Robinsons Starmills in Pampanga, RP Palawan in Puerto Princesa City, RP Santiago in Isabela, RP Naga, RP Dumaguete, RP Bacolod, RP Iloilo, RP Valencia, RP Ormoc, RP GenSan, RP Butuan, and RP Tagum. These branches are open Monday to Friday, with operating hours varying per location.
Appointments must be made through their website before visiting their offices. The precautionary measures that the agency observes in its operations are also posted on their website and social media accounts. PRC advises applicants to refer to these guidelines before dropping by.
Aside from the usual, “no mask, no entry policy,” only applicants are allowed inside the branches. Social distancing is observed and applicants are encouraged to place sanitized documents inside sanitized plastic envelopes. These requirements can be submitted in the provided trays or drop boxes to limit physical contact.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also reopened at selected Robinsons Malls locations. These include Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Novaliches, RP Santiago, RP Ilocos, RP Pangasinan, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, RP Lipa, RP Palawan, RP Dumaguete, RP Bacolod, RP Iloilo, RP North Tacloban, and RP GenSan. Operating hours vary per location, but most are open between 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.
DFA services include passport applications, renewals, and inquiries. Passport applicants are advised to email the concerned consular office for appointments, while members whose appointments were affected by the ECQ will receive an email advisory for the new schedules.
In RP Ilocos, the Bureau of Immigration is open for the renewal of VISA applications for foreign clients, while RP Dasmariñas, RP Palawan, and RP General Santos branches are open to handle general inquiries.
The National Bureau of Investigation’s offices are now open in RP Dasmariñas, RP General Trias, RP Ormoc, Robinsons Angeles, RP Otis, Robinsons Cainta, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Galleria, and Robinsons Metroeast.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now open for license applications and renewals, and vehicle registrations and renewals at RP General Trias, RP Imus, RP Palawan, RP Lipa, Robinson Cainta, RP Dasmariñas, Galleria, Robinsons Novaliches, RP Butuan, RP Las Piñas, RP Manila, Robinsons Metroeast, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, RP GenSan, Robinsons Fuente, RP Iloilo, RP Dumaguete, Robinsons Sta. Rosa, and RP Bacolod.
PHLPost offices in the following areas are open for inquiries and courier services: RP Dasmariñas, RP Imus, RP Palawan, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, RP Lipa, Robinsons Luisita, RP Antique, and RP Ormoc, RP Iloilo, Robinsons Sta. Rosa, RP Antipolo, RP GenSan, Robinsons Angeles, RP Malolos, Robinsons Town Mall Malabon, Robinsons CDO, RP Butuan, RP Roxas, RP Tagum, and RP Pangasinan.
While some mallgoers may still be wary of conducting their transactions in public, companies like Robinsons Land Corporation and its partner government agencies are steadily gaining their trust by working together to provide better service and a safe environment to customers, members, and applicants.
For more information on Robinsons Malls, visit robinsonsmalls.com
