Pag-IBIG allots over P1.7B for emergency, calamity loans

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- To help ease the burden of Bicolanos affected by a series of calamities, particularly Typhoons Tino and Uwan, the Pag-IBIG Fund has allocated ₱1,774,571,000 for emergency and calamity loans targeting more than 60,000 members across the Bicol Region.

Nelson Ibarra, acting branch head of the Pag-IBIG Legazpi Branch, said qualified members may borrow up to 90 percent of their total savings. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier placed the entire country under a state of calamity due to the back-to-back destructive typhoons.

Ibarra said members may apply for a calamity loan from November 7 until February 9 next year. The loan carries a low annual interest rate of 5.95 percent and is payable in 12, 24, or 36 months, depending on the borrower’s preferred term.

“Borrowers with approved loans will be granted at least a three-month moratorium on amortization payments so they can use the funds for their immediate needs, especially for repairing damaged houses,” he said.

The Bicol Region has 346,354 Pag-IBIG members.

He added that calamity loan borrowers will receive a three-month grace period, while multi-purpose loan borrowers will be granted two months before they begin paying monthly amortizations. Multi-purpose loans carry 1.4583 percent monthly interest, also payable in 12 or 24 months.

Meanwhile, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has also opened its emergency loan program for active members and old-age and disability pensioners in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes, according to Atty. Eugene C. Virgo, GSIS Legazpi branch manager.

GSIS offers a ₱20,000 loan with 6 percent annual interest, payable in three years.

“The GSIS has allocated ₱4.9 billion for emergency loans nationwide. Out of its 2.8 million members, around 164,000 active members and pensioners are in the Bicol Region,” Virgo said.

The GSIS emergency loan application period runs from November 7, 2025, to February 7, 2026, with a three-month grace period before monthly payments begin. Applications may be submitted through the GSIS Touch mobile app. Members with limited internet connectivity may apply at GSIS business centers, including the Legazpi branch.

Virgo added that first-time borrowers may apply for P20,000 up to P40,000, depending on their eligibility.