State-run pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has refunded more than ₱9 billion in loan amortizations to over 500,000 members and pensioners in less than a month under the expanded Balik Ginhawa 2 program, just 24 days after its wider implementation.

In a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 4, GSIS said it had refunded ₱9.06 billion to qualified beneficiaries under Balik Ginhawa 2, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide timely financial assistance to Filipinos.

The amount represents refunds released under Balik Ginhawa 2 alone. Combined with the original Balik Ginhawa program, GSIS has now returned more than ₱18 billion in loan amortizations to qualified members and pensioners.

GSIS noted that while the original Balik Ginhawa was implemented over about three months, Balik Ginhawa 2 reached the ₱9-billion mark and benefited more than 500,000 members and pensioners in less than one month.

Under the program, qualified borrowers recover previously paid monthly loan amortizations through refunds credited directly to their GSIS eCard. Instead of repaying the refunded amortizations immediately, borrowers complete them through a corresponding extension of their loan term while continuing to pay their loans under the original terms.

To ensure that qualified members receive their full benefits, GSIS has introduced a new feature in GSIS Touch mobile app that allows members and pensioners who received less than their expected refund to check whether they still have a remaining refundable amount and immediately apply for it.

GSIS President and General Manager (PGM) Wick Veloso said the new feature is intended to ensure that qualified members and pensioners receive the full benefits due them.

“Through this feature, we are making sure that those who are still entitled to a refundable amount can easily verify their eligibility and receive the remaining benefit due them,” Veloso said.

Balik Ginhawa 2 expanded the program’s coverage from three to as many as six monthly loan amortizations. While the original implementation covered eligible payments made from December 2025 to February 2026, the expanded program now also covers eligible payments made from March to May 2026, allowing qualified borrowers to recover up to six months of loan amortizations, subject to the program’s terms and conditions.

Members and pensioners who received only a partial refund may still qualify for the balance of their refundable amount by logging in to GSIS Touch mobile app and submitting another application, if eligible.

GSIS reminded members and pensioners that availment of Balik Ginhawa remains voluntary. Refund proceeds are credited exclusively to the member’s designated GSIS bank account, rather than to the payroll account.

The latest feature forms part of GSIS’ continuing efforts to simplify processes, improve service delivery, and provide meaningful financial relief to government employees and pensioners.