Manila, Oct. 9 -- The Government Service Insurance System in Butuan City (GSIS Butuan) has extended calamity loans to 5,550 active members and pensioners following the city's declaration of a state of calamity due to a prolonged dry spell and water shortage.

The loan program was made available after the city government declared a state of calamity on Sept. 5.

"Upon the declaration of the state of calamity in Butuan City, we immediately proposed the calamity loan for our active members and pensioners, which was subsequently approved," GSIS Butuan Branch Manager Troy Palermo said in an interview Wednesday.

Palermo said qualified active members and pensioners may avail themselves of a PHP20,000 calamity loan, payable over three years at a...