CEBU CITY, Cebu, Jan. 30 (PIA) --  The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is now granting emergency loan to its members and pensioners in Central Visayas who were affected by Typhoon Odette.. 

GSIS Cebu Manager Atty. Mercedes Victoria Enriquez announced in a Zoom meeting that the loan is available  until Feb. 6 only.

“Alam kong kailangan ng aming mga miyembro at pensiyonado ang tulong-pinansyal, kaya naman binuksan agad namin ang emergency loan upang makatulong sa kanila,” Enriquez said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier declared six areas, including Central Visayas, under a state of calamity on Dec. 21, 2021.

Active members residing or working, as well as old-age and disability pensioners, in Region 7 may apply for the loan.

The qualified loan borrowers with existing emergency loan may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their previous emergency loan balance and still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000.

For those without existing emergency loan, they may apply for P20,000.

The loan is payable in 36 equal monthly instalments at 6% interest rate computed in advance.

It is also covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of the borrower’s demise, provided that loan payment is up to date, said Enriquez.

GSIS members who are qualified to apply are members who are in active service and not on leave of absence without pay; have no pending administrative or criminal case; and have a net take-home pay of not lower than P5,000 after all required monthly obligations have been deducted.

Those that have due and demandable loan accounts (have arrears of over six months) are now allowed to renew their previous emergency loan from a different calamity.

Members with at least three months of paid premiums within the last six months prior to application date may already apply.

Meanwhile, old-age and disability pensioners may also apply for the loan if their resulting net monthly pension after loan availment is at least 25% of their basic monthly pension.

“Para sa kahilwasan sa mga loan borrowers batok sa Covid-19, mahimo ni nilang i-submit ang ilang applications pinaagi sa contactless nga pamaagi sama didto sa eGSISMO, via email, o sa mga drop box nga anaa sa lobby sa GSIS Cebu (Members may submit their applications through eGSISMO, via email, or the drop box at the lobby of GSIS Cebu)," said Enriquez. 

The GSIS official also added that if borrowers would opt to use email in filing their application, they must send the requirements to this email address: gsiscebu@gsis.gov.ph.

Active members also have the option to file their loan applications through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks located in all GSIS offices, Department of Education offices, provincial capitols, city halls, municipal offices, Robinsons Malls and selected SM Supermalls.

“However, we request understanding and patience since most offices have intermittent internet connection and electricity to facilitate the processing of applications. Rest assured that loan applications will be processed the soonest possible time,” Enriquez said. 

Enriquez also bared that loan proceeds are directly credited to the borrower’s GSIS electronic card (eCard) or Unified Multi- Purpose Identification (UMID) card.

Interested members may visit the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) or Facebook page (@gsis.ph); email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at (032)235-5203 or 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ’N Text subscribers). (JSME/ PIA7)