Manila, July 22 -- More than 21,000 government workers and pensioners affected by a dengue outbreak in La Union and a sugarcane pest infestation in Negros Occidental may tap PHP520.08 million in emergency loans from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

In a news release on Wednesday, the GSIS said 21,153 eligible active members and old-age and disability pensioners could apply for financial assistance following separate emergency declarations in the two areas.

"The emergency loan underscores GSIS's continuing commitment to provide immediate financial relief to its members and pensioners in areas placed under a state of calamity, disaster, or state of public health emergency," the agency said.

Borrowers in Bagulin, La Union,...