Natural disasters are one of the inevitable phenomena in the Philippines. Residents and communities in vulnerable areas are prone to experience the dangerous impact of disaster, which affects their livelihood status. 

Hence, there are four Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in the country that offer calamity loans for those residents or communities that are affected by typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.; eventually declared in a state of calamity.

The Social Security System (SSS) provides calamity loans for employees from the private sector. The amount that can be loaned is equivalent to 1-month salary. This is payable within 2 years, meaning 24 monthly installments. The loan amortization starts on the 2nd month after the approval date of the loan. The interest rate is 10% per annum. The online application is available for registered members on their official site, My.SSS Portal. 

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) provides emergency assistance for  government employees up to ₱20,000.00 net loan. The loan is payable for 3 years or 36 monthly installments. The interest rate is 6% per annum. Loan application is available via GSIS App or GSIS official website. GSIS E-card users are also allowed to file an application. They can go to the nearest GWAP kiosk to process that. 

The Home Development Mutual Fund or PAG-IBIG allows the members to borrow up to 80% of the total savings, payable for 3 years. The interest rate is 5.95%. The first amortization shall be on a 3rd month after loan release. Applications for loan are available via Virtual PAG-IBIG (the official website) or over-the-counter.

Lastly, the Landbank offers a program called the Community Assistance and Reintegration Support Plus (CARES Plus). This program is intended to support farmers, fishermen, micro, small and medium enterprises, large corporations, and electric distribution utilities, providing them a capital or funds to repair the damaged facilities caused by the calamities.

For more details, take time to watch this video:

CALAMITY LOAN: Everything You Need to Know about Calamity Relief Assistance by the Government

https://youtu.be/6Cjbxjt2F6c?si=__uGZ8ChwKrzrjhJ

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