Amidst the prevailing energy crisis and rising costs of prime commodities, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has rolled out its Balik Ginhawa loan moratorium to provide financial relief to government workers and members in support of the national government’s continuing efforts to ease the financial burden on Filipinos.
According to GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso, the modified three-month loan moratorium is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s instructions help the citizenry cope up with adverse effects of inflation.
GM Veloso explained that the Balik Ginhawa initiative supports the broader whole-of-government approach under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program of the Marcos Jr. administration, which aims to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
“Unlike (the) traditional loan moratorium where members temporarily stop paying and receive the benefit gradually over several months, Balik Ginhawa provides assistance through a refund mechanism, allowing members to receive the equivalent of three months’ loan amortizations in one lump sum,” he clarified.
“Under Balik Ginhawa, GSIS will continue loan deductions. The equivalent of three months of loan amortizations covering December 2025 to February 2026 will be returned to members through direct crediting to their accounts,” he added.
The GSIS chief executive further explained that the program’s approach will enable members to immediately access a meaningful amount that they can use for urgent personal and household needs, instead of receiving smaller amounts spread out over time.
In addition, he cited that participation in Balik Ginhawa is voluntary and members who wish to avail may apply through the GSIS Touch mobile application. Once approved, the loan term will be extended by three months without additional interest or penalties.
“This way, they can easily use their loans for their needs while regular salary deductions will be maintained so that GSIS will preserve its integrity and be able to provide efficient care for its members,” Veloso pointed out in the vernacular.
