GSIS members can borrow P30,000 to buy desktops, laptops

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is set to launch this month a loan program to allow members to borrow P30,000 for a desktop or laptop computer, with the shift to online work and virtual classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an emailed statement, the GSIS said among those qualified for the Computer Loan program are active members who have paid at least three months of premiums, have a permanent appointment, and are not on leave of absence without pay.

It will also include members who have already purchased a computer before the program was launched, as long as the type of computer is declared to the GSIS coordinator.

Members should have a net take-home pay not lower than the amount required after all monthly obligations have been deducted, and should have no pending administrative or criminal case, no arrears in existing loans, and no past dues except for housing loans.

"Alam nating lahat na marami sa GSIS members at mga anak nila na nag-aaral ang nangangailangan ng computer. Pwede ring gamitin ito para sa wifi expense ng miyembro," said GSIS president and general manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet.

"Halimbawa, kung bumili sila ng computer na nagkakahalaga ng P25,000, 'yung sobrang P5,000 sa proceeds ay pwede nilang gamitin sa load o pambayad sa wifi expense. Wala pang isang libo ang monthly amortization kaya abot-kaya ng marami," he added.

The GSIS did not provide further information on the interest rate for the loan, but said that members may apply over-the-counter at all branches and extension offices nationwide, or through the GWAPS kiosks.

Proceeds from the loans will be directly credited to the borrower's GSIS eCard or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card, with members notified via text message or email.

GSIS, which covers most government workers, is mandated to insure members against the occurrence of certain contingencies in exchange for their monthly premium contributions. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/RSJ, GMA News