ROMUALDEZ LAUDS PAG-IBIG FUNDS EARLY BIRD PROMO FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday lauded the Pag-IBIG Fund’s early bird promo granting a 10-year, 3-percent subsidized interest rate to the first 30,000 borrowers under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.

Romualdez described it as a welcome relief for first-time homebuyers and a vital step in helping them achieve their dream of homeownership.

The Speaker also commended the Pag-IBIG Fund for its efforts to make socialized housing more accessible to low-income households, urging the state-run institution to continue innovating in fulfilling its mandate.

“This initiative is further proof of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to addressing the country’s housing backlog while fulfilling a basic yet often costly need of our countrymen—a decent roof over their heads,” said the reelected Leyte 1st district lawmaker.

He added, “This is what true and genuine public service is all about—assuring Filipinos that we are their partners in addressing their basic needs and in achieving their dreams for their families.”

The promo targets low-income and minimum-wage earners who are first-time homebuyers. With the subsidized interest rate, a socialized housing unit priced at P850,000—which typically requires a monthly amortization of P5,400 to P5,500—will now cost only around P3,600 to P3,700.

Applicants in Metro Manila must have a monthly income of no more than P47,800, while those outside the capital region must earn no more than P34,800 per month.

Overseas Filipino workers are also eligible for the special promo regardless of income.

Speaker Romualdez pointed out that the subsidized interest rate translates into significant savings for low-income families struggling to balance their household expenses with housing costs.

“Ang matitipid nila ay maaari nang gamitin ng ating mga kababayan para sa ibang pangangailangan, gaya ng pagkain, gamot, o edukasyon ng kanilang mga anak. Isa itong patunay ng pagkalinga ng pamahalaan para sa mga kapos-palad nating kababayan na nagsusumikap matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap,” he said.

He encouraged aspiring Filipino homeowners to take advantage of the first-come, first-served offer, which is expected to drive early Pag-IBIG loan applications and fast-track the construction of socialized housing units under the 4PH program.

Speaker Romualdez expressed optimism that this early bird promo will not be the last of Pag-IBIG Fund’s initiatives to make socialized housing truly inclusive and accessible to low-income families.

“Kumpiyansa kaming mga mambabatas na ipagpapatuloy ng Marcos administration, sa pamamagitan ng Pag-IBIG Fund at iba pang ahensya, ang pagpapalawig ng socialized housing para sa ating mga kababayan. Dapat maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na sandigan nila ang pamahalaan sa pagbuo at pag-abot ng kanilang mga pangarap,” he said.

The Speaker also assured the public of his continued support for better and more favorable loan terms, as well as other measures that will help Filipino families acquire homes more quickly.

He cited Pag-IBIG Fund’s recent report that it earned P4.27 billion from its investments in the first half of 2025, 51.79 percent higher than the same period last year.

This pushed the state-run firm’s net income to P28.04 billion for the first six months of this year, marking a 15.25 percent year-on-year increase.

“As we observe transparency and fiscal prudence in deliberating the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, we in the House of Representatives will continue to keep close watch on the Pag-IBIG Fund’s management of our countrymen’s contributions. This will ensure that it can deliver affordable home financing products while guaranteeing competitive earnings on members’ savings,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He added: “This is what public service in a Bagong Pilipinas is all about—offering a helping hand to our countrymen as they strive to achieve their dreams, while assuring them that their hard-earned money is invested prudently for their future.”