GSIS earmarks P4.5B in emergency loan

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is allocating a total of P4.46 billion for its active members and old-age pensioners in 13 areas in the country.

They are those in Albay, who are affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption; in Madridejos and Tabogon in Cebu and Cuartero, Maayon, and Mambusao in Capiz, due to tropical storms Urduja and Agaton; and Zamboanga Del Sur (except Zamboanga City), Lanao Del Norte (except Iligan City), Davao Del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Trento in Agusan Del Sur, and Nabunturan and Monkayo in Compostela Valley, because of typhoon Vinta.

The application deadline is March 2 for Albay, March 6 for Cebu and Capiz, and March 7 for Mindanao areas.

A total of 57,291 active members in the areas who have no existing emergency loans may apply for a P20,000 loan. The 44,672 active members in the areas who have not yet fully paid their loan may borrow P40,000 loan, from which the remaining balance will be deducted.

To qualify, active members must be working or residing in the calamitydeclared areas, not be on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying premium contributions, and have no unpaid loans for more than six months. They should also have a minimum net take-home pay of P5,000 after the monthly premium contribution and loan amortization have been deducted.

Active members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk located in all GSIS branch and large government agencies such as the Department of Education; Robinsons Malls; and selected SM City branches in North EDSA, Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, SM Aura in Taguig, and Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Emergency loan is payable in 36 equal monthly instalments at six percent interest rate per annum. Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS electronic card (eCard) or unified multipurpose details, log on to