GSIS Activates Emergency Loan Program for Albay and Cebu Calamity Victims
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has officially launched its emergency loan program to provide financial relief to active members, as well as old-age and disability pensioners, who are working or residing in the province of Albay and Cebu City. This initiative comes in response to two significant calamities: the intensifying activity of Mayon Volcano and a recent landfill landslide in Cebu City.
Dual Crises Prompt Immediate Financial Assistance
In Albay, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has elevated Mayon Volcano's alert status to Level 3, indicating increased volcanic unrest. This escalation necessitates the evacuation of residents in nearby areas to ensure their safety from potential hazards such as ashfall, lava flows, and pyroclastic density currents.
Meanwhile, in Cebu City, continuous rainfall has led to the erosion of a landfill located in Barangay Binaliw, resulting in a landslide that poses environmental and health risks to the local community. Both events have caused temporary displacement, loss of livelihood, and other disruptions, underscoring the urgent need for financial support.
Loan Details and Eligibility Criteria
The GSIS emergency loan program is available nationwide until February 7, 2026, specifically targeting those affected by these calamities. The loan aims to help beneficiaries address pressing financial needs arising from the disasters.
Eligibility for active members includes:
- Working or residing in Albay or Cebu City
- Not on leave of absence without pay
- At least three months of paid premiums within the last six months
- No pending administrative or criminal cases
- No unpaid loans for more than six months
- A take-home pay of at least P5,000 after deductions
For old-age and disability pensioners, applicants must ensure that at least 25 percent of their basic monthly pension remains after loan deduction.
Loan Amounts and Terms
New applicants are eligible to borrow P20,000, while those with existing emergency loans may borrow up to P40,000. From this amount, any outstanding balance will be deducted to achieve a maximum net amount of P20,000.
The loan features favorable terms: it is payable over three years with a low annual interest rate of six percent and no processing fees. Additionally, it is covered by loan redemption insurance, which ensures the loan is fully paid in the event of the borrower's demise, provided that payments are up to date at the time.
How to Apply and Seek Further Information
Interested parties are encouraged to explore the following channels for more details and application procedures:
- Visit the official GSIS website
- Follow GSIS on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Viber
- Contact the GSIS Contact Center at (02) 8847-4747
- Send an email to gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph
This emergency loan program underscores GSIS's commitment to supporting its members and pensioners during times of crisis, helping them navigate the financial challenges posed by natural disasters and environmental emergencies.
