The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has allocated close to P1.5 billion in emergency loans for 62,514 active members and pensioners residing or working in areas recently declared under a state of calamity.
In Negros Oriental, which was affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, and in Biliran, where the deterioration of Biliran Bridge disrupted connectivity to Leyte, the deadline is on March 12. Applications from Carranglan and Licab in Nueva Ecija, which bore the brunt of Typhoon Kristine, will be accepted until March 13.
Residents of Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands in Surigao del Norte, where prolonged brownouts have caused major disruptions, may apply until March 18. Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, which experienced torrential rains, has a deadline of March 19, while applications from Aborlan and Iwahig Penal Colony in Puerto Princesa, also affected by heavy rains, will be accepted until March 23.
Applying for the emergency loan is made easy through the GSIS Touch mobile app, which allows members and pensioners to file their applications anytime, anywhere, without the need for documentary requirements. The app is available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Active members working or residing in the calamity-hit areas may qualify for the loan if they have no due and demandable GSIS loan, are not on unpaid leave, have paid premiums in the last six months before applying, have no pending administrative or criminal cases, and have a net monthly take-home pay of at least P5,000 after deductions. Members with an existing emergency loan may borrow up to P40,000 to settle their previous balance and receive a maximum net amount of P20,000, while those without an existing emergency loan may apply for P20,000.
Old-age and disability pensioners residing in the affected areas may also apply for a P20,000 emergency loan, provided their net basic monthly pension remains at least 25% after loan deductions. Loan proceeds will be electronically credited to the borrower’s eCard or UMID card.
The loan carries a 6% interest rate, requires no service fee, and has a repayment period of three years. It includes a redemption insurance feature that ensures the outstanding balance will be fully paid in case of the borrower’s death, as long as payments are up to date.
For more information, interested parties may visit the GSIS website, check the official Facebook page (@gsis.ph), email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph, or call the GSIS hotline at 8847-4747 (Metro Manila), 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM users), or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ’N Text subscribers).
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