The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) opened its emergency loan offer for active GSIS members and pensioners affected by the earthquake that jolted Southern Mindanao last November 17.

This came after the municipality of Glan, Sarangani was placed under a state of calamity after the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that damaged the area.

“Ganito kami sa GSIS. Immediately after a disaster, nagbubukas agad kami ng emergency loan sa affected areas para mabigyan ng [madaliang] tulong at suportang pinansyal ang mga biktima para maagapan ang sitwasyon,” GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said in an episode of GSIS Ginhawa For All on Thursday, Nov. 23.

The GSIS chief said the state pension fund opened its emergency loan offer for the area declared as under a state of calamity, but noted that members in the following area could also avail of the offer:

• Koronadal City

• Sultan Kudarat,

• Tacurong City

• Sarangani Province

• General Santos City

• Kidapawan City

• Davao del Sur

• Davao City

• Digos City

• Davao del Norte

• Tagum City

• Davao de Oro

• Davao Occidental

• Davao Oriental

• Mati City

Veloso said the emergency loan has P20,000 as a loanable amount, eligible for members and pensioners who are working or living in the places declared as calamity areas.

“Meron tayong P20,000 na loanable amount para sa emergency loan. Eligible ang mga member at pensioner na nagtatrabaho o naninirahan sa mga lugar na idineklarang calamity areas,” he said.

“Kung ang active member ay may standing emergency loan mula sa nakaraang kalamidad at nagkaroon uli kalamidad sa kanilang lugar, ang magiging loanable amount nila ay P40,000 para maikaltas yung previous loan ngunit hindi pa din dapat mas mataas sa P20,000 ang kanilang net proceeds matapos ikaltas ang previous loan,” he added.

The GSIS chief also listed the qualifications for those who wish to avail of the emergency loan offer.

“Dapat sila ay hindi naka-leave of absence without pay. Mayroong paid and remitted premiums equivalent to at least 6 monthly premium contributions for both personal and government shares within the last 6 months prior to application,” Veloso said.

“Walang pending administrative case and/or criminal change at sapat ang kanilang net take home pay na hindi bababa sa limang libong piso na required under the General Appropriations Act matapos ikaltas ang kanilang monthly obligations,” he added.

Veloso said the emergency loan has a 6-percent interest rate payable within three years or 36 equal monthly installments free from any processing fees.

The GSIS chief added that GSIS members and pensioners affected by the earthquake could apply via GSIS Touch but could also access it through the Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@PS) kiosks at GSIS offices or selected government agencies.