Manila, Sept. 18 -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has expanded its emergency loan assistance to nearly PHP8 billion, covering 317,721 members and pensioners in 16 areas affected by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon or "habagat."

"In response, GSIS ensures access to essential social insurance services by providing timely financial assistance through its Emergency Loan Program to qualified members and pensioners whose homes, livelihoods, and communities have been affected by the disasters," the GSIS said in a news release Friday.

The expanded assistance covers areas hit by Typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng, and the enhanced southwest monsoon, where flooding and other damage prompted local governments to declare sta...