Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is expanding its emergency loan program to cover more areas in Luzon and Metro Manila that have been placed under a state of calamity. The state pension fund is also urging members and pensioners to file their applications digitally for faster processing.
According to Philippines News Agency, GSIS Officer-in-Charge Juliet Bautista announced in a news release that the expansion is aimed at ensuring no member is left behind in times of need as more local government units declare a state of calamity. This move is part of GSIS's ongoing commitment to provide immediate relief to members and pensioners affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising, the southwest monsoon, and related calamities.
Starting July 25, GSIS members and pensioners residing in Cainta, San Mateo, and Montalban in Rizal; and the cities of Malabon, Marikina, Las Pi±as, Navotas, and Valenzuela, may apply for the emergency loan until October 24, 2025. Earlier, the facility was also opened to those residing or working in Agoncillo in Batangas, Balagtas in Bulacan, Malasiqui in Pangasinan, Roxas in Palawan, and the provinces of Bataan and Pampanga, with applications accepted until August 24, 2025. These areas are in addition to Cavite, Quezon City, Umingan in Pangasinan, Calumpit in Bulacan, and the City of Manila, which were among the first to be covered.
GSIS Officer-in-Charge Juliet Bautista emphasized the convenience of the GSIS Touch mobile app, stating that it provides a fast and secure application process. This digital approach has been highly effective, with 99.9 percent of emergency loan applications on the first day being filed through the platform, according to GSIS NCR Operations Group Senior Vice President Joseph Phillip Andres.
Andres explained that the emergency loan is available to active members who reside in or work within an area declared under a state of calamity, as well as pensioners living in these areas. Eligibility for members includes active service status, no pending administrative cases, at least three months of contributions, and a net take-home pay of not less than PHP5,000 after loan deductions. For pensioners, at least 25 percent of their gross monthly pension must remain after the loan deduction.
First-time borrowers can avail of a PHP20,000 emergency loan, whereas those with an existing balance may borrow up to PHP40,000, with the outstanding balance deducted from the new loan. The loan is payable in 36 monthly installments at an interest rate of 6 percent per annum, with no processing fee.
GSIS continues to monitor calamity declarations across the country, ensuring that its members and pensioners receive the necessary support during challenging times.
