SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), in collaboration with Pag-IBIG Fund, is rolling out the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH).
This initiative aims to bridge the housing gap by offering subsidized homes with lower interest rates and manageable monthly payments.
The 4PH program tackles affordability and accessibility challenges by offering subsidized housing units with lower interest rates and manageable monthly payments.
This opens doors for low-income families who may have previously considered homeownership out of reach.
To qualify for the program, applicants must have at least 24 months of Pag-IBIG membership or fulfill the required savings through a lump sum payment.
They should be 65 years old or younger at the time of application and 70 years old or younger by loan maturity.
Priority is given to first-time homeowners with low income as defined by DHSUD.
Applicants cannot have a foreclosed Pag-IBIG Housing Loan or property under dacion en pago (delivering an asset to settle a debt).
The application process is streamlined to make it easier for beneficiaries:
- Register with Your Local Government Unit (LGU) – The first step is to register with your LGU as a potential beneficiary of the 4PH program.
- Check Available Projects and Pre-qualification: After registration, inquire about available projects in your area and complete the LGU’s pre-qualification assessment.
- Submit Housing Loan Application: Pre-qualified applicants can then submit a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan application, forwarded by the LGU to Pag-IBIG Fund for final approval.
The first phase features projects like El Sanz Residences in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, offering 600 affordable housing units under construction.
Other provinces are actively collaborating with Pag-IBIG to bring similar projects to their communities.
This phased rollout began in 2022, with continuous development planned for the coming years.
Artemio Laroya, Member Services Officer IV at Pag-IBIG Fund La Union, emphasizes the program’s affordability.
“With housing solutions priced at up to P1.8 million, the 4PH program empowers low-income families to achieve homeownership. This ensures that benefits like price and interest subsidies are effectively directed to those who need them most,” he said during the recent episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas.
He highlights the importance of a stable income and complete documentation to qualify, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.
Laroya also recognizes the vital role of LGUs.
“Applicants must coordinate with their LGU, who act as primary proponents for 4PH projects. LGUs initiate the process by collecting necessary requirements,” he explains.
Rachael Gallano, branch head of Pag-IBIG Fund-La Union, also underscores the program’s local impact.
“The program offers substantial benefits. A price subsidy reduces the selling price of housing units, and an interest subsidy lowers rates to a maximum of 5% for the first five years. This significantly increases affordability for eligible families,” she says.
For detailed information and specific housing projects, visit https://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/4PH_Program.html.
The 4PH program is a significant step towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to improving access to housing for low-income Filipinos and fostering long-term financial inclusion in the country. (AMB/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
