Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), regardless of how much they earn, can now apply for socialized housing units under the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, a move designed to honor their sacrifices and strengthen their ties to home.
The announcement was made following the release of Pag-IBIG Fund Circular No. 473, signed by CEO Marilene Acosta on July 10, 2025. The circular outlines new guidelines under the 4PH program, now expanded to include OFWs across all income brackets, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling emphasized that this initiative reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to broaden the program’s reach to benefit more Filipinos, including the country’s “modern-day heroes.”
“Alinsunod po ito sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na palawakin ang 4PH para makinabang ang mas nakararaming Pilipino, kasama na ang ating mga bayaning OFWs,” Aliling said.
He noted that although the move may seem small, it is a meaningful way to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of OFWs—particularly their long separations from loved ones and significant role in boosting the economy.
OFWs who wish to apply must be active Pag-IBIG members, first-time homeowners, no older than 65 years old at the time of application, and insurable up to 70 years old at loan maturity. The policy change aims to make housing more inclusive for an estimated 2.16 million OFWs worldwide.
For non-OFWs, the 4PH program remains open to first-time homebuyers in income deciles 7 and below—those earning up to P47,000 monthly in Metro Manila or P34,684 outside the capital.
Aside from the broadened eligibility, the new guidelines also slash interest rates on socialized housing to just 3% annually for up to 10 years—nearly half the current market rate of 6.25%. For example, under the new rate, monthly payments on an P850,000 horizontal housing unit drop to as low as P3,583, while a P1.5 million vertical unit could cost P6,324 monthly—both significantly lower than standard amortizations.
Aliling added that further adjustments are underway to make housing even more affordable. “Asahan ninyo na sa mga susunod na linggo ay may mga bagong guidelines tayong ilalabas para mas mapabuti pa ang implementasyon ng Expanded 4PH,” he said.
