GSIS members affected by 'Labuyo' can avail of emergency loan

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) affected by typhoon Labuyo will be granted emergency loan assistance, the state pension fund announced on Thursday.

“More than 10,000 of our members based in these calamity-declared areas are in dire need of assistance,” said GSIS President Robert Vergara said.

Under the emergency loan program, eligible members can borrow up to P20,000 payable in 36 equal monthly installments.

Those eligible for the loan include members who work or reside in areas declared in a state of calamity, not on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in the payment of mandatory contributions and have no loans declared in default.

GSIS said members can apply for the loan starting Friday, August 16, through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosks using their eCard or UMID eCard.

Members who do not have an eCard may apply over-the-counter at any GSIS office.

“The loans will be electronically credited to our members’ accounts. They can draw down the loan through our kiosks which are available 24/7, so there’s no need for them to go to our offices,” Vergara said.

For over-the-counter applications, the amount will be credited to a temporary eCard which GSIS distributes, it said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recently declared the areas of Baler, San Luis, Maria Aurora, Dipaculao, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, and Dingalan in Quezon; Candelaria, Masinloc and Sta. Cruz in Zambales and the entire province of Quirino under a state of calamity.