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PASAY CITY, July 25, 2024 (SDN) — The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) today, Thursday, responded to the calamity that Typhoon Carina and Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) wrought in many parts of the country.
To implement its response, the leadership of the public insurance agency is opening its coffers as it set aside Php18.5 billion that its 864,089 members affected by weather disturbance in Batangas, Rizal, and National Capital Region (NCR) can avail themselves of as emergency loans.
The GSIS made the availability of the amount following Malacañang’s declaration of the cited regions as calamity areas.
On Wednesday, July 24, as deluge generated by the twin forces of “Carina” and Southwest Monsoon swamped many parts of the country, Malacañang suspended once again for July 25 work in all government offices and classes at all levels in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the National Capital Region (NCR).
“In view of the continuous rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon “Carina”, and to aid in the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector, work in all government offices and classes at all levels in Regions III, IV-A and the National Capital Region are hereby suspended on July 25, 2024,” the memo from the Office of Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin announced.
The same was declared by the national government a day earlier.
“Members and pensioners may apply for the loan from July 26 to October 28, 2024,” the GSIS said in a statement released to members of the news media.
“The GSIS Emergency Loan program aims to provide immediate financial relief to its members and pensioners impacted by natural disasters. Members and pensioners with existing emergency loan balances may borrow up to Php40,000 to enable them to clear their previous loans and receive a maximum net amount of Php20,000,” the agency explained.
It added that members who have no existing loans are qualified to apply for an amount up to Php20,000.
“The loan features a low interest rate of 6% per annum and a repayment period of three years,” the GSIS said in its announcement.
It pointed out that to qualify for the emergency loan, active members must not be on unpaid leave, have no pending administrative or legal cases, and have made at least six-monthly premium payments before applying. Their net take-home pay should not be less than Php5,000 as stipulated by the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The GSIS explained further that to be eligible for the loan, old-age and disability pensioners must have a net monthly pension that is at least 25% of their gross pension after deducting the amortization of the loan.
Members who are eligible may apply for the loan online through the GSIS Touch mobile app, or may also file their application through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks strategically placed in all GSIS branches, major government offices such as the Department of Education (DepEd), provincial capitols, city halls, municipal offices, and selected Robinson’s and SM Malls. — EDD K. USMAN per GSIS press release. (♧)
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For more information about the emergency loan program and application procedures, members are encouraged to visit the GSIS website at http://www.gsis.gov.ph, follow the GSIS Facebook page (@gsis.ph), email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph, or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847 4747 (Metro Manila) or 1-800-8-847-4747 (Globe and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (Smart, Sun, and TNT subscribers).