GSIS Launches Up to P300,000 Loan for E-Bikes as Fuel Costs Bite

Key facts

• GSIS launched the Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan (GBEL) on Monday.
• Qualified members may borrow up to P300,000 or 100% of the unit cost.
• The loan carries a 5% per annum interest rate with no service fee.
• Repayment period is 36 months.
• The program covers brand-new bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds, cargo e-bikes, and folding e-bikes.
• Applications are submitted through the GSIS Touch mobile application.
• GBEL is part of the UPLIFT program ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in March.
• GSIS earlier launched the Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL) for up to P500,000 for solar panels.

A Loan to Ease the Commute

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Monday launched a loan facility that allows government employees to borrow up to P300,000 for bicycles and electric mobility devices. The program, named the Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan (GBEL), aims to help members manage daily transportation costs amid elevated petroleum product prices. GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said the initiative provides immediate and practical support. “This program will give our members a practical option to manage their daily transportation expenses. We want our members to be able to move through their communities without that financial weight,” Veloso stated.

Loan Terms and Coverage

Under the GBEL, qualified members may borrow up to 100 percent of the cost of a unit, with a maximum of P300,000. The loan carries an interest rate of 5 percent per annum and a repayment period of 36 months. No service fee is charged upon granting. The loan covers brand-new bicycles and a range of electric mobility devices, including e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds, cargo e-bikes, folding e-bikes, and other similar electric-powered transport units. Members must submit their applications through the GSIS Touch mobile application.

Part of a Broader Government Strategy

The GBEL is part of the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), a whole-of-government approach ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in March when he declared a national state of energy emergency. The program aligns with the president’s push for livable communities and more affordable transport options for government workers. Earlier, the GSIS launched a similar loan program — the Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL) — allowing government employees to borrow up to P500,000 to install solar panel systems in their homes. Both initiatives aim to reduce daily living costs and promote sustainable energy and mobility.

GSIS Mandate and Member Benefits

Under its charter, the GSIS is mandated to ensure that its members are insured against certain contingencies in exchange for their monthly premium contributions. Members are entitled to benefits such as life insurance, separation or retirement benefits, and disability benefits. The GBEL extends this support by addressing transportation expenses, a growing burden for many government employees. Veloso emphasized that the program is designed to provide immediate relief. By offering affordable financing for e-mobility devices, the GSIS hopes to reduce the financial weight of commuting and contribute to a more sustainable transport ecosystem.

Outlook and Next Steps

The GSIS expects the GBEL to be widely used as fuel prices remain high and the national energy emergency continues. The loan’s low interest rate and absence of service fees make it an attractive option for government workers seeking to lower their daily expenses. The program also supports the government’s broader goals of promoting electric mobility and reducing dependence on imported fuel. As the GSIS rolls out the loan, it will monitor uptake and member feedback to ensure the facility meets its objectives. The success of the GBEL could pave the way for similar initiatives across other state agencies.

The bottom line

• GSIS members can borrow up to P300,000 at 5% interest for e-bikes and bicycles, with no service fees and 36-month repayment.
• The GBEL is part of President Marcos’ UPLIFT program, launched after declaring a national energy emergency in March.
• The loan covers brand-new bicycles and various electric mobility devices, including e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-mopeds.
• Applications are processed through the GSIS Touch mobile app, making the loan accessible to qualified members.
• The GSIS previously launched a solar energy loan of up to P500,000, reflecting a broader push for sustainable living.
• The program aims to reduce daily commuting costs for government employees amid high fuel prices.