Pampanga folk urged to avail of calamity loans

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Vice President Jejomar Binay urged Kapampangans on Monday to avail themselves of calamity loans offered by the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig) especially now that he has directed the agency to slash off interest rates.

The Vice President first visited senior citizens in flood-devastated Barangay San Pedro Cutud in the City of San Fernando where he distributed relief goods, amid cheers of "Kay Binay, Gaganda ang Buhay!"

He proceeded to the branch of Pag-Ibig here to lead, together with Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, the awarding of cash cards and checks to those who have availed of the loans.

Binay also conducted a short dialogue with those applying for calamity loans to get suggestions and check loop holes if there were any in the processing of documents.

"Mag-avail po kayo ng calamity loans dahil makakatulong po ito sa inyo. We have slashed the interest rate from 10.75 percent to just 5.95 percent upang magaan ang pagbayad. Mayroon na rin po tayong cash card upang mabilis ang processing," said the Vice President.

He added that he has ordered Pag-Ibig to stay open during the holidays this month and accept applications, especially from victims of the recent flooding.

"Bukas po tayo kahit holiday upang pagsilbihan kayo (Pag-Ibig is open even during holidays)," Binay said.

The Vice President also vowed to look into the housing needs of Kapampangans, like those hit by floods in Pampanga barangays like San Pedro Cutud.

Binay proceeded to Candaba, San Luis, Bacolor, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, San Simon, Apalit, Macabebe and Masantol to distribute much needed assistance.