THE Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) said that their members in 17 areas in the country that was gravely hit by the El Niño, can now borrow up to P40,000.

This is as the state pension fund allocated over P4.3 billion for emergency loans.

According to the GSIS, the P4.3 billion will be made to cover for the 185,107 active members and pensioners.

This can allow them to clear the balance of their previous emergency loan and receive a maximum net amount of P20,000.

Meanwhile, those without existing emergency loans, can apply for a P20,000 loan, with an interest of 6% and a payment period of three years.

It will be made available to members and pensioners in areas including Negros Oriental; Kabangkalan City and Valladolid in Negros Occidental; San Vicente, Palawan; Carcar City and Compostela, Cebu; Iloilo; Brooke’s Point, Palawan; San Agustin, Romblon; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; Quezon and Pangantucan in Bukidnon; and Tboli in South Cotabato.

The GSIS said it will accept applications until June 21, 2024, but this will depend on the areas where the members and pensioners are located.