Affordable housing subsidies for Filipino workers – DHSUD, Pag-IBIG

The Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, the government’s flagship housing initiative, offers affordably-priced homes with lower monthly costs through subsidies for Filipino workers who are members of Pag-IBIG Fund.

The announcement came from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Pag-IBIG Fund executives on May 1, Labor Day.

“Our housing agenda aims to ensure that all Filipino workers have the means to access affordable housing opportunities. With the subsidies provided to beneficiaries of the 4PH program, the prices of homes and monthly amortization costs will be significantly reduced,” stated Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, head of DHSUD and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. He highlighted that these efforts align with President Marcos’ Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to address the nation’s housing needs.

Subsidies on Price and Interest

The housing czar noted that units under the Pambansang Pabahay (4PH) program would be priced more economically than other market offerings, adhering to the government’s affordable housing price ceilings.

Borrowers who opt for a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan under the 4PH program will benefit from even lower interest rates than those currently offered, which are the lowest in the market. DHSUD will subsidize up to 5% of the loan’s outstanding interest rate, reducing the rate further and helping Filipino workers achieve homeownership, particularly those with limited financial means.

Focus on Sustainability and Community Spaces

The 4PH program also incorporates green features and provides communal open spaces and gardens, as well as amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts, to ensure comfortable and enhanced living conditions for residents.

Acuzar added that future homeowners will find themselves in well-designed, self-sufficient communities through a township model. This framework integrates residential areas with commercial spaces, educational institutions, healthcare centers, and other vital infrastructure, facilitating a comprehensive living environment.

“Interested Filipino workers can easily join the Pambansang Pabahay (4PH) program through their Pag-IBIG Fund membership by applying for a special housing loan and coordinating with their local government housing board to be listed under the 4PH program’s pre-identified applicants,” Acuzar explained.

Pag-IBIG Membership: A Gateway to Homeownership

Marilene C. Acosta, Chief Executive Officer of Pag-IBIG Fund, expressed strong support for the initiative, inviting members to leverage the 4PH program’s benefits.

“Pag-IBIG Fund fully supports the DHSUD in its proactive efforts to make housing more affordable by aiding both property developers and buyers. Our 4PH-Direct Developmental Loans offer financial resources to developers to create affordable, high-quality housing for Filipino workers. Buyers, in turn, can access the Pag-IBIG Pambansang Pabahay (4PH) Housing Loan, enjoying interest and amortization subsidies and borrower-friendly loan terms, ensuring affordable monthly payments,” Acosta emphasized.