MANILA (PIA) — The Social Security System (SSS) is extending its support by offering calamity loans to areas affected by Typhoon Carina, including the National Capital Region (NCR).
The NCR was severely affected by Typhoon Carina, which caused extensive flooding, loss of homes, loss of lives, and damage to school and bridge infrastructure in Pasig City.
Given the significant impact of the situation, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ladesma Macasaet announced that affected SSS members can apply for a loan equivalent to their one-month salary, or up to a maximum of PHP 20,000.
To provide insight into the calamity loan, Ralph Brillantes and Rafa Bella shared their opinions.
Screenshot from Ralph Brillantes
Ralph Brillantes, a restaurant manager in Quezon City, has been struggling due to the effects of Typhoon Carina. He submitted a calamity loan application to the SSS for PHP 20,000, which was later approved.
He commented, “Malaking bagay para sa amin o sa iba ‘yung SSS loan na ganyan, kasi saan ako kukuha ng pera na instant darating agad? Ngayong baha pa sa lugar namin. Kaya laking tulong na rin ‘to kahit papaano sa amin.”
(It is a very big help to us and to others. The SSS loan is crucial because where else can I get instant money that will come immediately? There are still floods in our area. That is why it is a significant help to us.)
Screenshot of Rafa Bella’s message.
Meanwhile, during the interview of Rafa Bella who lived in Dagat-dagatan, Caloocan City, where their areas also experienced flooding during the typhoon, via messenger she dig deeper that the SSS calamity loan has positive and negative aspects
She said, “Ang SSS Calamity loan, para sakin, ay may positibo at negatibo akong reaksyon. Positibo, makakatulong ang SSS calamity loan para sa mga nasalanta ng baha sa mga manggagawa.”
(The SSS calamity loan, for me, has both positive and negative aspects. Positively, the SSS calamity loan will help flood victims among workers.)
However, she also mentioned the negative aspect: “Negatibo, paghihirapan pa rin bayaran ng mga manggagawa ang binababang calamity loan.”
(Negatively, it will still be difficult for employees to repay the calamity loan.)
Brillantes, also expressed concern about the difficulty of repayment given the challenges of recovery.
In response, Macasaet assured that members can repay the calamity loan over two years or choose 24 equal monthly installments with an annual interest rate of 10 percent.
Macasaet emphasized that the SSS is committed to assisting members affected by the typhoon and reassured them that in times of calamity, they can rely on SSS for financial support to recover from Typhoon Carina. (AVS / PIA-NCR)
