The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is offering loans of up to ₱500,000 under its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan program to help government employees and qualified pensioners reduce their electricity expenses.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, GSIS President and General Manager Jose Wick Veloso said the program allows qualified borrowers to finance solar panel purchases, including equipment and installation, with a 5% interest rate payable over five years or 60 monthly installments.
“Wala hong nakatagong service fee at P500,000,” Veloso said, emphasizing that the loan comes with no hidden service fees.
The program, initially introduced amid rising fuel prices and concerns over increasing electricity costs, was expanded on September 30 to include disability and portability pensioners following requests for assistance.
“Pinakinggan po ng ating GSIS management. Inirelay natin sa board of trustees ng GSIS, in-approve man po agad,” Veloso said.
He encouraged qualified regular government employees and pensioners to avail themselves of the program, stressing that borrowers can choose their preferred solar panel supplier based on their needs and location.
For the application process, Veloso said GSIS has digitized 99.6% of its operations, allowing applicants to submit the necessary documents through the GSIS mobile application, or G-Patch, without visiting a branch.
Applicants must upload a solar panel proposal or quotation from an installer, or an installation agreement or contract. Those who have already completed the installation may submit their receipts to seek reimbursement.
Veloso also highlighted the program’s insurance coverage, saying solar panel installations are insured for three years against risks including fire, earthquakes, lightning and typhoons, subject to the submission of the required post-installation documents and insurance requirements.
He further underscored the loan redemption insurance, which ensures that the remaining loan balance will no longer be a burden on the borrower’s family if the borrower passes away.
“Pagka may nangyari na po, hindi na po natin gugustuhin, pagkakataon na sila'y pumanaw, ang inyong mahal sa buhay, wala na po kailangan bayaran. Wala na,” Veloso said.
Meanwhile, Veloso reminded pensioners to comply with the annual physical identification requirement, or proof of life, to avoid potential interruptions in their pension payments.
He said pensioners can complete the verification through G-Patch using facial recognition, eliminating the need to leave their homes to appear physically at a GSIS office.
Watch the full exclusive interview here:
