By Brian Campued
As part of the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) launched a new program to provide financial relief to government workers amid the economic impact of the Middle East conflict.
Under the “Balik Ginhawa” initiative, GSIS will return a lump sum or three months’ worth of loan amortizations covering December 2025 to February 2026 to members who apply for the program.
“Sa ganitong paraan, agad ninyo itong magagamit para sa inyong mga pangangailangan. Mananatili ang regular na salary deductions upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at katatagan ng GSIS, at upang patuloy na mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga miyembro nito,” GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said as quoted in a news release Wednesday.
Members who wish to avail of the “Balik Ginhawa” program may apply through the GSIS Touch mobile application.
Once approved, the loan term will be extended by three months without additional interest or penalties.
On March 24, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency and creating the UPLIFT Committee, tasked to coordinate the government’s response to the Middle East tensions and cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Filipinos.
The GSIS previously rolled out its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL) Program, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy systems to reduce electricity costs and help ensure energy stability.
Under the program, members may borrow up to P500,000 to cover the purchase and installation of solar panel systems, payable over five years at an interest rate of 5% per annum with no service fee.
Eligible applicants include active GSIS members with at least three years of government service, subject to submission of requirements such as a supplier quotation, installation agreement, or proof of purchase certified by an authorized agency officer.
Entirely processed through the GSIS Touch mobile application, approved loan proceeds are credited directly to the borrower’s bank account within three working days, with repayments automatically deducted from salaries.
GSIS likewise provides three-year insurance coverage for solar installations against hazards such as fire, lightning, typhoon, and earthquake at no additional cost, as well as redemption insurance that settles the outstanding balance in case of the borrower’s death.
-jpv
