The Government Service Insurance System will open its emergency loan program to assist its members and pensioners affected by severe tropical storm Florita, the agency’s chief said on Wednesday.
“Aside from emergency loans, our members may avail of the Multi-purpose Loan (MPL) Plus, which has a loan ceiling of up to P5 million. On the other hand, pensioners may borrow up to six months’ worth of their pension under our enhanced Pension Loan program or up to P500,000,” GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said in a statement.
Veloso added that GSIS members with existing emergency loan balances may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their previous emergency loan balance and still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000. Those without existing emergency loans may apply for P20,000, and pensioners may apply for a P20,000 loan.
“Active members residing or working in affected areas, as well as old-age and disability pensioners based in the same areas, may apply for the loan after the areas have been declared under a state of calamity,” he said.
Qualified to apply are members who are in active service and not on leave of absence without pay; have at least three months of paid premiums within the last six months; 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.
The pension fund chief added that GSIS would provide financial assistance of P400,000 each to six schools in North Luzon as part of its Adopt-a-School Program in partnership with the Department of Education.
The assistance package includes support for technology and assistive learning devices, infrastructure and furniture.
“This is out of the 25 schools GSIS will adopt nationwide this year as part of its corporate social responsibility program. Since 2014, GSIS has already adopted 85 schools across the country,” Veloso added.