GSIS opens emergency loans for members, pensioners hit by Davao Oriental earthquake

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced Friday it is now accepting emergency loan applications from members and pensioners affected by the doublet earthquakes that struck the Davao Oriental last week.

In a statement, the GSIS said the emergency loan application period is open until December 14, 2025.

The pension fund said those with current emergency loans may borrow up to P40,000 to settle previous loan balances, ensuring a maximum net amount of P20,000.

Meanwhile, members and pensioners without any outstanding emergency loan may apply for a P20,000-loan.

Members and pensioners may apply for the loan through the GSIS Touch mobile app.

The emergency loan is payable in 36 equal monthly installments at 6% interest rate per annum.

The pension fund said the loan is covered by loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of demise of the borrower, provided that loan payment is up to date.

The opening of the emergency loan applications in Davao Oriental is on the top of the emergency loan applications recently offered in eight other areas, namely, the province of Cebu due to the magnitude-6.9 earthquake; the provinces of Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon hit by typhoon Opong; the provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte and city of Dagupan hit by super typhoon Nando; and the municipality of Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur due to floods.

The GSIS said it set aside over P5.4 billion in emergency loans for its more than 224,000 active members and old-age and disability pensioners in the calamity-hit areas.

"GSIS remains steadfast in its mission to care for government workers and retirees, especially in times of crisis. We are here to help our members and pensioners recover and rebuild," said GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso.

The pension fund said it relaxed the requirements for granting emergency loans as it opened the application window once the local sanggunian declares a State of Calamity upon the recommendation of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Eligible to apply are active members working or residing in the affected areas provided they have no due and demandable GSIS loan, are not on unpaid leave, have paid premiums in the last six months, have no pending administrative or criminal case, and have a monthly take-home pay of at least P5,000 after deductions.

Old-age and disability pensioners may also apply, provided they retain at least 25% of their monthly pension after loan deduction.

The deadline for emergency loans application in Masbate is on October 29; for Oriental Mindoro and Romblon, October 31; in Cagayan and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte on November 1; in Dagupan City and Ilocos Norte (except Pagudpud) on November 15; in Cebu on November 30; and in Davao Oriental and Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur on December 14.

The GSIS said it is also still accepting applications for emergency loan until October 24 in Rizal province and cities of Malabon, Marikina, Las Piñas, Navotas, and Valenzuela; October 25 in Caloocan City; October 26 in Muntinlupa City; October 27 in Parañaque City; and October 29 in Taguig City. — VDV, GMA Integrated News