THE GOVERNMENT Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced on Monday that it is allocating around P1 billion for its active members and old-age pensioners in Iloilo affected by El Niño. Members with no existing emergency loans may borrow P20,000 while those who still have an outstanding balance in their previous emergency loan account may be granted a P40,000. Old-age pensioners, meanwhile, may apply for a P20,000 loan. Based on GSIS data, there are 33,465 active members and 7,406 old age pensioners in Iloilo who are qualified to apply for the loan. The program excludes Iloilo City, and the municipalities of Janiuay, Lambunao, and Mina, which were already offered the same loan. Old-age pensioners must personally apply for the loan while active members may apply through GSIS kiosks located in all branches of the agency and extension offices, and various local and national government offices. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio