DepEd seeks loan relief for calamity-hit teachers, personnel

The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Friday that it asked private financial institutions for a moratorium on the loans of teaching and non-teaching personnel who were affected by the recent tropical storms.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in his request letter for a three-month moratorium starting January 2025 and that payments will resume in April 2025.

“I sincerely hope that, in times of need, even the private sector, including the esteemed financial institution, would find reason to extend to them this much-needed help,” said Angara.

Further, the moratorium shall include all DepEd personnel who are residing or working in calamity areas declared by the Office of the President, local government units, or Office of Civil Defense since September 2024.

The DepEd also requested for a moratorium on loan payments due on December 2024 and with payments to resume in January 2025.  It shall also cover all charges, costs, and interests.

The department also made the same request to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

With these requests, the DepEd coordinated with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas not to classify the loans subject to moratorium as non-performing loans, particularly from December 2024 to March 2025. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News