Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can now qualify for socialized housing units under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, regardless of their monthly income, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling announced the development on Monday, stating that it is part of the recently released Pag-IBIG Fund Circular No. 473, which outlines new guidelines recognizing the vital contributions of OFWs, often referred to as the country’s modern-day heroes. “This is in line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to broaden the reach of the 4PH program to benefit more Filipinos, especially our OFWs,” he said.
Under the new guidelines, OFWs can apply for the housing program, provided they meet certain criteria: they must be active Pag-IBIG Fund members, first-time homebuyers, under 65 years old at the time of application, and insurable until loan maturity, which must not exceed age 70. As of 2023, approximately 2.16 million OFWs are working worldwide.
The 4PH program also offers affordable financing options. All socialized housing units under the expanded program—both vertical and horizontal—will feature a subsidized interest rate for up to 10 years. For instance, a horizontal unit priced at PHP 850,000 will require a monthly amortization of only PHP 3,583 under the new rate, compared to PHP 5,233 at market rates. Similarly, a vertical unit priced at PHP 1.5 million will cost around PHP 6,324 per month instead of PHP 9,235.
Beneficiaries may also qualify for further reductions in monthly payments through additional government subsidies.