The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has allotted a total of P1.5 billion in emergency loans for 34,739 members and pensioners in various provinces in Eastern Visayas which were declared calamity areas due to the increasing number of dengue cases.

The emergency loan program intends to provide immediate financial assistance to Samar and Leyte (Ormoc City, Maasin City, and Municipality of Kananga) who may be faced with unexpected medical expenses, loss of income due to illness, among others.

The amount allocated for the dengue-affected areas is over and above the P27 billion apportioned for more than 1.2 million calamity- affected members and pensioners across 23 calamity-declared areas affected by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), Typhoons Carina and Enteng, and African swine fever.

To qualify for the emergency loan, active members must reside or work in calamity-declared areas, not on leave without pay, have no pending administrative or legal cases, no due and demandable loan, and made at least six-monthly premium payments prior to applying. Their net take-home pay must not be less than P5,000 as stipulated by the General Appropriations Act. Old-age and disability pensioners must have at least 25% remaining from their pension after deductions for loan amortization.

Members and pensioners with an existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P40,000 to settle their previous loans, with a maximum net amount of P20,000. Those without existing balances may apply for a P20,000 loan. The loan offers a low interest rate of 6% per annum, with a repayment period of three years.

Qualified members and pensioners can apply for the loan online through the GSIS Touch mobile app. They may also submit their applications through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks located in GSIS branches nationwide, major government offices such as the Department of Education, provincial capitols, city halls, municipal offices, and select Robinsons and SM malls.

For more information about the emergency loan program, members and pensioners may visit the GSIS website at www.gsis.gov.ph, follow the GSIS Facebook page 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).