The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced on Thursday that it has disbursed more than PHP 1.5 billion in emergency loans to provide urgent financial relief to over 44,000 government employees and pensioners affected by tropical cyclones Crising (international name Wipha), Dante (Francisco), Emong (Co-May), and other recent calamities.
In a news release, GSIS Officer-in-Charge Juliet Bautista noted that the surge in loan applications reflects the immediate needs of those impacted by the disasters. “As soon as the loan window opened, thousands of our members and pensioners turned to GSIS for help. This reflects how deeply the recent calamities have affected their lives and how urgently they need support,” Bautista stated.
The emergency loan program offers a one-time assistance of up to PHP 40,000 for active members and PHP 20,000 for old-age and disability pensioners. The loans carry a 6 percent interest rate per annum, payable in 36 equal monthly installments, and include a Loan Redemption Insurance (LRI) feature. Under LRI, the outstanding loan is deemed fully paid in the event of the borrower’s death, provided payments are up to date.
“We want our members to know they are not alone in recovering from the impact of recent storms. GSIS is here to extend support where it matters most,” Bautista added. Eligible borrowers include active members and pensioners residing or working in areas officially declared under a state of calamity.
The availment period for the loans varies depending on local government declarations and the timely submission of requirements. As of July 31, the loan remains open in the following areas:
- Until Aug. 15: Province of Siquijor
- Until Aug. 23: Calumpit, Bulacan; Umingan, Pangasinan
- Until Oct. 23: Cavite, Manila, and Quezon City (opened July 24)
- Until Oct. 24: Malabon, Marikina, Las Piñas, Navotas, Valenzuela, Roxas (Palawan), Agoncillo (Batangas), Balagtas (Bulacan), Malasiqui (Pangasinan), Bataan, Pampanga, Dagupan City (opened July 25)
- Until Aug. 25: Mangaldan and Mangatarem, Pangasinan (opened July 26)
- Until Oct. 24: Province of Rizal (opened July 26)
- Until Oct. 25: Caloocan (opened July 26)
- Until Oct. 26: Muntinlupa (opened July 27)
- Until Aug. 28: Moncada and Paniqui (Tarlac), Anda and Lingayen (Pangasinan), La Union, Laguna, and San Carlos City (Pangasinan) (opened July 29)
GSIS indicated that the list of eligible areas is subject to expansion as more localities are placed under a state of calamity. Members and pensioners are encouraged to visit the official GSIS website or check its verified social media channels for the latest updates.media channels for the latest updates.