(Photo courtesy of GSIS)
MANILA – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has disbursed Php 10.12 billion in solar energy loans to government employees and pensioners, helping households reduce electricity expenses while promoting renewable energy use amid concerns over El Niño.
In a statement Wednesday, GSIS said its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL) program had received 66,233 applications worth Php 19.81 billion as of November 11, 2026.
Some beneficiaries reported significant reductions in their monthly electricity bills, with payments dropping from Php 7,000 to as low as Php 300 after installing solar power systems.
“Imagine reducing your monthly electricity bill from PHP7,000 to just PHP300. For an ordinary government employee or a pensioner, that represents substantial savings that can instead be spent on food, education, healthcare, and other family needs,” GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said.
Of the total loan applications, Php 10.12 billion had been credited to borrowers, while another Php 57.17 million had been approved, bringing the combined amount of released and approved loans to approximately Php 10.18 billion.
An additional Php 87.37 million worth of applications remained under processing.
Launched in March 2026, the GSEL program offers qualified government workers and pensioners loans of up to Php 500,000 at a five-percent annual interest rate, payable over five years without service fees.
The program also provides three years of free insurance coverage for installed solar panels against damage caused by fire, lightning, typhoons and earthquakes, subject to applicable conditions.
Loan redemption insurance is also included to provide additional financial protection to borrowers.
Veloso said a household previously paying Php 7,000 in monthly electricity bills could potentially save Php 80,400 annually if its bill dropped to Php 300, excluding loan repayments and installation expenses.
“GSEL is more than a loan program. It gives our members and pensioners access to a practical way to manage their household energy costs while supporting cleaner energy,” he said.
The GSIS Board of Trustees previously allocated Php 12.5 billion for the initiative, including Php 60 million for insurance coverage, while expanding eligibility to qualified pensioners.
The program forms part of GSIS efforts to make renewable energy more accessible to its members while helping households manage rising electricity expenses.
