Pagibig members get low housing amortization

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

FILIPINO workers will have accessible and affordable housing opportunities under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Pag-IBIG Fund said Tuesday.

The 4PH, the government’s flagship housing project, provides affordable homes and lower monthly amortization costs through various subsidies for workers who are Pag-IBIG members, the two agencies said in a statement.

“Our housing agenda aims to ensure that all Filipino workers have the means to accessible, affordable housing opportunities. Through the subsidies extended to beneficiaries of the 4PH program, prices of homes and monthly amortization costs will be significantly reduced,” said DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar.

Acuzar, who also heads the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, said the housing units to be sold under the 4PH will be cheaper than other residential units in the market as it stays within the ceiling imposed by the government for affordable housing.

The DHSUD chief said housing loan borrowers who will avail of units under the program through a Pag-IBIG housing loan will enjoy an even lower interest rate than Pag-IBIG currently provides, which is already considered the lowest in the market.

Moreover, he said DHSUD will subsidize up to 5 percent of the loan’s outstanding interest rate, allowing borrowers to pay a reduced interest rate on their loans.

“This will ensure that Filipino workers can now fulfill their homeownership dreams, especially those with limited financial resources,” Acuzar said.

Future homeowners of the Pambansang Pabahay housing units will experience a well-designed and self-sufficient community through a township model, he said.

This framework allows residents to live within cities with access to commercial spaces, educational institutions, health care centers and other essential infrastructure, the DHSUD said.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta, meanwhile, urged members to take advantage of the benefits under the Pambansang Pabahay program.

ARLIE O. CALALO