Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is set to broaden its emergency loan program to encompass more areas impacted by Typhoon Maymay and the southwest monsoon, following declarations of a state of calamity by local government units (LGUs).
According to Philippines News Agency, GSIS Executive Vice President Joseph Philip Andres announced on Wednesday that the pension fund is actively updating the program's coverage. Currently, Cavite is among the areas where eligible government workers and pensioners can begin accessing the assistance starting Thursday.
Andres explained that the GSIS is vigilant in monitoring possible declarations from other areas experiencing heavy rains and flooding, with Pampanga and several other LGUs potentially following Cavite's lead. To qualify for the emergency loan, active members must either work or reside in a declared calamity area, while pensioners must reside in such areas.
Even for members with an existing emergency loan, GSIS allows them to borrow up to PHP40,000. Andres detailed that their existing loan would be closed, providing them with proceeds of at least PHP20,000. Members without any existing emergency loans may borrow up to PHP20,000. The loan facility has a 6-percent interest rate, payable in 36 equal monthly installments.
In addition to emergency loans, the GSIS Balik Ginhawa 2 program offers further financial relief to members and pensioners with existing obligations. Through this program, qualified borrowers may recover loan amortizations paid from December 2025 to May 2026, with the repayment period extended and no additional interest charged.
Applications for the emergency loans can be submitted via the GSIS Touch mobile application, with approved proceeds potentially credited to members' LandBank or UnionBank accounts within one to three banking days. For those unable to access the application due to disrupted telecommunications services, GSIS offices are available for assistance.
Andres urged government workers and pensioners in affected areas to stay updated through official GSIS channels as more LGUs declare a state of calamity. He noted that while Cavite residents could start benefiting from the program as early as Thursday, more areas are expected to be included soon.
