Imagine finally owning a home where you and your loved ones can create lasting memories. The Pag-Ibig Housing Loan program can turn that dream into a reality. Many Filipinos are not familiar with the Pag-Ibig Fund and how to apply for its housing loan program. This blog is here to guide you step-by-step.
THE PAG-IBIG FUND
The Pag-Ibig Fund, which stands for "Pagtutulungan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya, at Gobyerno," addresses two major concerns for Filipino workers: savings and housing. Established under Republic Act No. 9679, the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009, it aims to provide a national savings program and an affordable shelter financing scheme for Filipino workers.
The Pag-Ibig Fund has two key goals:
To create a mandatory savings scheme for all Filipino workers.
To invest the funds in housing through loans to members and developers.
Membership
Every Filipino worker earning at least Php 1,000 a month must join the Pag-Ibig Fund. This includes household helpers such as drivers, gardeners, cooks, and governesses.
Monthly Contribution
With just Php 100 a month, you’re not just saving; you’re investing in a brighter, more secure future for yourself and your family. For every Php 100 you contribute, your employer matches it with an additional Php 100.
Savings for Retirement
Think of your contributions as seeds planted today that will grow into a robust safety net for your retirement. After 20 years, you can withdraw your savings, including your employer’s contributions and dividends. Pag-Ibig Fund’s dividends generally exceed bank interest rates, giving you peace of mind and financial freedom in your later years.
In 2020, Pag-Ibig Fund posted a net income of P31.18 billion. For regular savings, members earned a 5.62% dividend rate. For the Modified Pag-Ibig 2 (MP2) Savings, members earned a 6.12% dividend rate. These rates are government-guaranteed, tax-free, and better than most bank interest rates.
HOW TO BECOME A PAG-IBIG MEMBER
Joining the Pag-Ibig Fund is a step towards securing a brighter future for you and your family. There are two types of Pag-Ibig members:
Mandatory Members: These are individuals whose membership is required under Republic Act No. 9679. This includes:
Private employees under 60 years old.
Household helpers earning at least Php 1,000 a month.
Filipino seafarers with contracts from manning agencies or foreign ship owners.
Self-employed individuals under 60 years old, earning at least Php 1,000 a month.
Expatriates under 60 years old who are also compulsory members of the SSS.
Employees mandatory covered by the GSIS, including judiciary members and constitutional commissions (COMELEC, COA, CSC).
Uniformed personnel from AFP, BFP, BJMP, and PNP.
Filipinos working for foreign employers, whether in the Philippines or abroad.
Voluntary Members: If you’re not covered by the above categories, you can still join voluntarily. Generally, you need to be between 18 and 65 years old. This includes:
Non-working spouses of registered members with consent.
Filipino employees of foreign states or international organizations.
Employees of companies with Pag-Ibig Fund coverage waivers.
Leaders and members of religious groups.
Recently unemployed individuals wanting to continue contributions.
Public officials not covered by GSIS, like Barangay officials.
Other individuals and groups as determined by the Board.
HOW TO APPLY IN PERSON
Visit a Pag-Ibig Fund Office: Offices are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. There is no processing fee for registration. Avoid fixers who may promise expedited services.
Complete the Member’s Data Form: Download and fill out the form [here].
Submit Documents: Bring two copies of the completed Member’s Data Form and other required documents to your nearest Pag-Ibig Office (Members Services Office).
Pay Contributions: Get a Payment Form and pay your contribution at the cashier.
Verification: Go to the Marketing and Enforcement Division to present your documents and complete the process.
HOW TO APPLY ONLINE
Visit the Pag-Ibig Fund Website: Go to the Virtual Pag-Ibig page and select ‘Be a Member.’
Register: Click ‘Register’ to enter the Pag-Ibig Fund Online Registration System. Select ‘Continue.’
Provide Personal Details: Enter your last name, first name, middle name (if applicable), and date of birth. Enter the captcha code and click ‘Proceed.’
Complete the Form: Fill out all necessary information across seven tabs: Member Info, Other Info, Address, Contacts, Heirs, Member Category, and Employment History. Click ‘Next.’
Submit Registration: Once you submit the form, you’ll see a confirmation page. You’ll also receive a text message on your smartphone.
Print the Member’s Data Form (MDF): Keep a copy on your phone or computer. Your Registration Tracking Number (RTN) is used to get your Pag-Ibig registration number.
Receive Your MID Number: You’ll get your Pag-Ibig Membership ID (MID) Number. Keep this number safe; you’ll use it for various Pag-Ibig transactions like loan applications, monthly payments, and benefit claims.
PAG-IBIG LOANS
As a Pag-Ibig Fund member, you can take advantage of various loan programs:
Calamity Loans
Multi-Purpose Loans
Housing Loans
Calamity Loan
If the State of Calamity is declared in your area, you can apply for a Pag-Ibig Calamity Loan of up to 80% of your Total Accumulated Value (TAV) with a 5.95% annual interest rate, payable over 24 months. Enjoy a 3-month grace period before starting your payments.
Multi-Purpose Loan
The Pag-Ibig Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL) offers financial assistance for house repairs, home improvements, education expenses, health and wellness, and more. You can borrow up to 80% of your TAV with a 10.5% annual interest rate, payable over 24 months. A 2-month grace period is available before you start your payments. You also have the option to renew your loan after paying at least 6 months of monthly amortizations.
Housing Loan
The Pag-Ibig Housing Loan Program is more than just a financial product—it’s a key to unlocking the door to your new home, where your family’s future can flourish. Features include:
Easy to avail (we provide free assistance)
Lowest Interest Rates (as low as 3% per annum)
Longest Payment Period (up to 30 years)
High Loanable Amount (up to ₱6 million)
HOW TO APPLY FOR PAG-IBIG HOUSING LOAN
There are two ways to apply for a Pag-Ibig housing loan:
Developer-Assisted: The developer helps with your loan application.
Individual Retail: The homebuyer applies directly to the Pag-Ibig Fund.
Developer-Assisted Housing Loan
Reserve your chosen property.
Pay the reservation fee and sign the reservation agreement.
Complete the Pag-Ibig Fund’s Housing Loan Application and submit the required documents. (See below for HLA and checklist.)
The developer will handle your loan processing with the Pag-Ibig Fund.
Await confirmation and further instructions from the developer’s office.
Individual Retail Housing Loan
Dreaming of your own home? Pag-IBIG Fund offers a straightforward path to secure a housing loan. Follow these steps to make your dream a reality:
Step 1: Gather Your Requirements
Get a Checklist: Visit the Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu-Ayala Branch or download the Housing Loan Application (HLA) and Checklist of Requirements from Pag-IBIG Fund’s website.
Basic Requirements: Note: If you are over 60 years old or applying for a loan between P2 million and P6 million, you’ll need to submit a health statement form (medical questionnaire). Make sure you have a Pag-IBIG Membership ID (MID) Number or Registration Tracking Number (RTN). If you don’t, register online to get your MID or RTN.
Completed Housing Loan Application (HLA) form.
Recent ID photos of the borrower and co-borrower (if any).
Proof of income.
1 valid ID each for the principal borrower, spouse, co-borrower, and their spouses.
Transfer Certificate of Title (certified true copy).
For condominium units: Transfer Certificate of Title for the land and Condominium Certificate of Title (certified true copy).
Updated tax declaration (house and lot) and real estate tax receipt.
Contract-to-Sell or similar agreement between buyer and seller.
Vicinity map or sketch of the property.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Pay the Fees:
P1,000 Processing Fee (non-refundable)
P2,000 Appraisal Fee (deducted from the loan amount)
Submit Your Documents: Bring your completed HLA and all required documents to your nearest Pag-IBIG Fund regional office or submit them online through the Pag-IBIG Fund website.
Step 3: Await Approval
Receive Your Notice of Approval (NOA): Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an NOA or a Letter of Guaranty (LOG). If not approved, you will get a Notice of Disapproval. For OFW borrowers, the NOA will be sent to the attorney-in-fact. Sign your loan documents upon receiving the NOA and submit them within 90 days.
Step 4: Complete Your Requirements for Fund Release
Accomplish NOA Requirements: You have 90 calendar days to complete these steps:
Provide the Letter of Guarantee to the Seller.
Pay Capital Gains Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax at the BIR, and get the Certificate Authorizing Registration.
Pay Transfer Tax at the Local Government Unit.
Transfer the Title and annotate the mortgage at the Registry of Deeds.
Submit all required documents to Pag-IBIG Fund.
Step 5: Receive Your Loan Proceeds
Bring Required Documents: Note: If you’re not paying through salary deduction, bring 12 postdated checks.
At least 2 valid IDs.
Transfer Certificate of Title/Condominium Certificate of Title (with mortgage annotation).
Updated tax declaration and real estate tax receipt.
Deed of Absolute Sale with original stamp from the Registry of Deeds.
Occupancy permit (if applicable).
Assignment of loan proceeds.
Step 6: Start Repaying
Make Your Payments: Begin making your monthly amortization payments on time to avoid penalties and foreclosure. Staying current with your payments ensures your journey to homeownership remains on track.
WHY CHOOSE PAG-IBIG HOUSING LOAN?
Compare the two data below: The Pag-Ibig Housing Loan rates and the bank financing rates:
Pag-IBIG rates:
Bank rates:
When it comes to choosing a housing loan, Pag-IBIG Fund often offers more favorable rates compared to banks. As of April 2021, Pag-IBIG's fixed rate for one year is 5.376%. In contrast, among ten major commercial banks, only BPI offers a slightly lower rate of 5.25%. Most others charge between 5.5% and 6.5%. Although HSBC advertises a low rate of 4.99%, this rate is typically an introductory offer. After one year, borrowers often face higher rates, estimated between 7% and 9% per annum.
This makes Pag-IBIG Fund a popular choice for home buyers. Pag-IBIG offers longer repayment terms, up to 30 years, which translates to lower monthly payments. For budget-conscious Filipinos, this is a significant advantage.
However, for properties with loan amounts exceeding P5 million, some buyers may still prefer bank financing.
In summary, Pag-IBIG Fund is often the go-to option for many due to its competitive rates and flexible terms, making homeownership more accessible and affordable.
This discussion is for educational purposes only. Consult your lawyer for advice on your specific case. For any questions, contact us.
If you’re planning to buy a residential lot, house-and-lot, or condo unit, get in touch with us at 0920 207 5035 or email cebuhousefinder@yahoo.com for free assistance.
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