The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) formally accepted the donated office equipment and computers given by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in solidarity with the ongoing efforts of the PHLPost to mitigate the effects of the fire that burned the near-century-old Manila Central Post Office Building.

“We thank our government partner GSIS for extending their assistance to PHLPost during this time. It is a great help for our affected employees, especially in our continuous recovery efforts,” Lori Ann Atal, officer in charge and assistant postmaster general for administration and finance of PHLPost, said in a news release on Wednesday.

GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso officially handed over 45 steel tables, 45 chairs, 67 desktops, and seven laptops.

”Nung ako po ay nag-ocular inspection kasama si Postmaster General Carlos, nakita ko na ang mga kawani at lingkod bayan ng PHLPost ay nagta-trabaho sa ilalim ng makeshift tent, nasa ilalim ng araw at kalimitan ay nababasa pa sila ng ulan. Masikip ang area at tabi-tabi sa mga table ngunit patuloy silang naglilingkod para sa bayan. (When I conducted ocular inspection along with Postmaster General Carlos, I saw the employes of PHLPost working under a makeshift tent, rain or shine. The area is crowded but they continue to serve the public). This resilience, this unwavering commitment to serve the public, is truly inspirational. Despite the setback on May 22, PHLPost employees never faltered in their duty,” Veloso said.

PHLPost assured the public that it is business as usual in all its branches.

The Manila Central Post Office has been relocated to the Surface Mail Exchange Department (SMED) in Delpan, Port Area.

There are nearby post offices in Manila and other parts in Metro Manila where the public could send their mail and packages.

PHLPost corporate offices are temporarily housed at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) facility in Pasay City.

Carlos said PHLPost is now focusing on the recovery and rehabilitation of the damaged structure, which is considered a national historical landmark.

Built in 1926, the historic Manila Central Post Office was designed by Filipino architects Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua. It was damaged during World War II, during the Battle of Manila and was restored in 1946, right after the war. (PNA)