The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) have implemented measures to aid affected Filipinos and facilitate the reconstruction of areas impacted by Typhoon Carina.
In a statement, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said that every effort is being made to ensure prompt financial assistance and implement necessary safety protocols to support the recovery of all those affected by the typhoon.
The DOF earlier announced that the country will tap the standby credit line of $500 million with the World Bank to enable the government to promptly provide essential services such as healthcare, food, and shelter to those affected by the typhoon.
It will also support post-disaster emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction efforts.
As a part of the country’s strategy for Disaster Risk Finance, the Bureau of the Treasury will also make a claim under the National Indemnity Insurance Program (NIIP) for the damages suffered by 45 public schools in eight regions, amounting to at least P308.5 million.
Once the payment is released, the Department of Education (DepEd) will have the funds available for repairing and reconstructing the damaged schools.
To assist taxpayers severely impacted by the typhoon, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the deadline for value-added tax (VAT) and percentage tax payments, as well as the submission of other necessary reports.
Taxpayers in specific Regional District Offices (RDOs) now have until July 31, 2024, to file their taxes.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is evaluating its inventory of confiscated goods, food, and agricultural products that are suitable for donation to typhoon victims.
Additionally, the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) are providing financial support to typhoon-affected Filipinos through their calamity and emergency loan programs.
The SSS is offering calamity loan assistance to eligible members who have been impacted by the typhoon in the National Capital Region (NCR), as well as other potentially affected areas.
SSS members residing in a declared calamity area can borrow a loan amount equivalent to their one month salary credit or up to a maximum of P20,000.
Members interested in availing of this assistance can apply online via the SSS website.
Once the loans are approved, members can anticipate the loan amount to be credited to their registered Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID)-ATM Card or with a participating bank within the Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet).
Similarly, the GSIS will initiate the provision of their Emergency Loan (EML) to its members from July 26, 2024, to Oct. 28, 2024, to aid Typhoon Carina victims.
The GSIS has set aside a total of PHP 18.5 billion, which will benefit approximately 864,089 members and pensioners in areas under a state of calamity.
With a maximum loan amount of PHP 20,000, members can apply online through the GSIS Touch mobile app or through GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks.