Aiming to provide immediate financial relief to its beneficiaries and pensioners hit by Typhoon Basyang (international name Penha), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has allocated more than ₱300 million in emergency loans for its active members in Iligan City.
According to GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso, the allocation will allow their more than 13,000 mostly elderly and disabled members to access loans that would help them rebuild their homes, repair damaged properties, and restore their livelihoods. Among those heavily affected by the tropical storm are first responders, such as health workers, local government employees, and other frontline GSIS members, who play a critical role in crisis response yet often face the same hardships as the communities they serve.
GM Veloso cited that the emergency loan aims to ease their burden by ensuring they receive assistance while continuing to safeguard the public during emergencies.
He announced that eligible applicants are active members working or residing in the affected areas, provided they have no unpaid GSIS loan for more than six months, are not on unpaid leave, have three months of paid premiums within the last six months, have no pending administrative or criminal case, and have a monthly take-home pay of at least ₱5,000 after deductions.
He added that old-age and disability pensioners may also apply, provided they retain at least 25 percent of their monthly pension after loan deduction.
However, those with current emergency loans may borrow only up to ₱40,000 to settle previous loan balances, ensuring a maximum net amount of ₱20,000. Those without any outstanding emergency loan may apply for a ₱20,000 loan.
The emergency loan is payable in 36 equal monthly installments at a 6 percent interest rate per annum. The loan carries no processing fee and is covered by loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of the demise of the borrower, provided that loan payments are up to date. The first deduction for the loan payment has a two-month grace period.
Interested borrowers may apply online via the GSIS Touch mobile app. The deadline for filing applications is March 26, 2026. Loan proceeds will be credited directly to the member’s ATM account.
For more information, interested parties may visit the official GSIS website or social media channels. For inquiries, email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph or call the GSIS Contact Center at (02) 8847-4747 (Metro Manila), 1-800-8-847-4747 (Globe and TM), or 1-800-10-847-4747 (Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text).
