The Government Service Insurance System has set aside P1.69 billion in emergency lending assistance to help nearly 69,000 members and pensioners in three calamity-stricken areas weather the dual impacts of severe El Niño conditions and a worsening dengue outbreak. The support extends to residents and workers in Albay, Camarines Norte, and Naga City, all of which have placed under a state of calamity due to rising dengue cases in Albay and Naga, and drought and water scarcity brought by El Niño across Camarines Norte.
This emergency loan program stands as one of the GSIS’s key relief measures for communities declared under a state of calamity, designed to deliver quick financial support directly to those who need it most. Applications are being accepted through the GSIS Touch mobile app, with deadlines set for October 24 in Albay, October 27 in Camarines Norte, and October 28 in Naga City. The GSIS also noted that the same assistance remains available in other previously declared calamity zones, with filing deadlines falling on November 12 for Cavite and November 16 for Rodriguez, Rizal.
Eligible applicants without an existing emergency loan may borrow up to P20,000, while those with an outstanding balance may access up to P40,000, from which their prior obligation will be settled, leaving them with a maximum net release of P20,000. The loan carries a low 6% annual interest rate and a three-year repayment term, with monthly amortization set at P655.56 for a P20,000 principal and P1,311.11 for the P40,000 limit. It also includes a redemption insurance benefit that clears the remaining balance should the borrower pass away while payments remain current.
Active members seeking to apply must be residents or assigned within the declared calamity areas, not on leave without pay, free from pending administrative or criminal charges, have remitted at least three months’ worth of contributions within the last six months, have no loans overdue by more than six months, and retain a net take-home pay of no less than P5,000 after all statutory deductions. Old-age and disability pensioners based in affected communities may also apply, on condition that their monthly pension after loan repayments are deducted does not fall below 25% of their basic pension amount.
