GSIS OFFERS EMERGENCY LOANS TO QUAKE HIT AREAS

 

Only members and pensioners from regions that have declared a state of calamity are eligible for the emergency loan program, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said on Friday.

A local government entity needs first declare a state of calamity in order to have access to the calamity fund, according to Jose Arnulfo Veloso, president and general manager of GSIS.

The only province to declare a state of calamity following the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Northern Luzon is Abra, which has a total of 5,733 GSIS active personnel and pensioners.

"Importante po na ito ay ma-trigger o ma-release at ang lugar ninyo ay na-declare (It is important that your area was declared) under a state of calamity. So far, the province of Abra has declared state of calamity and this is open to all government employees and pensioners based in the Province of Abra," Veloso said in a press briefing.

"Sapagkat kapag ikaw ay nagkaroon ng sitwasyon na mawalan ka ng bahay o nasira ang iyong tirahan, ay importante na malaman mo na meron kang matatakbuhan agad (Because if you are in a situation wherein you lost a home or your house was destroyed, it is important that you know where to ask for help immediately) if we give you the peace of mind," he said.

Veloso stated that GSIS members and pensioners from regions that have not proclaimed a state of calamity may qualify for a multi-purpose loan.

For its emergency loan program this year, GSIS has set aside PHP5.4 billion.

Members who already have an emergency loan balance may borrow up to PHP40,000 to settle it while still receiving a PHP20,000 maximum net amount.

GSIS said that persons without a current emergency loan and pensioners may apply for a PHP20,000 loan.

SOURCE: GSIS