DAVAO CITY — Despite the economic challenge that the world is facing now due to the pandemic, the Pag-IBIG Fund was able to finance 8,471 socialized homes for minimum-wage and low-income members amounting to P3.67 billion in the first half of 2022, an official said on recently.
In a press statement, the agency said their socialized home loans make up 19% of the total number of housing loans financed by the agency from January to June this year. The amount, meanwhile, represents 7% of the total housing loans released by the agency for the said period. Pag-IBIG Fund posted record-highs of 47,184 in housing units financed and P51.96 billion in home loans released during the first half of the year.
“We at Pag-IBIG Fund remain committed in pursuing our mandate to provide a home for every Filipino worker. With our Affordable Housing Program, achieving the dream of homeownership is made possible especially for minimum-wage workers. The program’s lowest rates and longest payment term allow our members from the low-income sector to buy or build a home of their own,” said Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti.
Pag-IBIG Fund’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) is a special home financing program specifically designed for minimum-wage and low income members from the National Capital Region (NCR) who earn up to P15,000 a month, and from outside the NCR who earn up to P12,000 per month. Under the AHP, eligible borrowers enjoy a special subsidized rate of only 3% per annum for home loans of up to P580,000 for socialized subdivision projects.
Pag-IBIG Fund Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Home Lending Operations Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, said that the AHP’s 3% rate translates to a monthly amortization of as low as P2,445.30 for a socialized home loan amounting to P580,000, making homeownership within reach of low-income earners. “We first offered the AHP’s subsidized 3% rate in May 2017 to help more members, particularly those from the minimum-wage sector, realize their dreams of owning a home. With our very low rates, our members are able to enjoy a monthly amortization on their home loans that is lower than the cost of rent. And, since qualified borrowers do not need to put out cash for equity under the program, payments are even more within budget of low income members. Makakaasa ang aming mga miyembro na patuloy nila kaming katuwang sa pag-abot ng kanilang pangarap na magkaroon ng sariling tahanan,” Acosta added.
