SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today welcomed the inclusion of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as beneficiaries under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, calling it a testament to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uplifting the lives of the country’s modern-day heroes.
The Speaker made the statement following the announcement by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) that OFWs may now qualify for socialized housing units under the expanded 4PH, regardless of their monthly income.
“This latest move shows that the President is sincere in his mission to give back to our OFWs, who have sacrificed so much for their families and for the country. By including them in this housing initiative, we are not only addressing a basic need—we are also acknowledging their immense contribution to the nation,” Speaker Romualdez said.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling earlier explained that the expanded 4PH now covers OFWs, in line with the President’s directive to ensure that the government’s flagship housing initiative benefits more Filipinos, especially those working hard abroad to support their loved ones.
“As of 2023, there are about 2.16 million OFWs across the globe who work tirelessly to send remittances home—contributions that not only support their families but also bolster the Philippine economy,” said Speaker Romualdez.
“Marami sa kanila ang walang sariling bahay at patuloy na nangangarap na makapundar ng tahanan para sa kanilang pamilya. Sa pamamagitan ng Expanded 4PH, mas napapalapit tayo sa katuparan ng pangarap na ito,” he added.
Under Pag-IBIG Fund Circular No. 473, OFWs may now apply for housing under the 4PH provided they are active Pag-IBIG members, first-time homebuyers, and not older than 65 at the time of application. They must also be insurable until the loan matures, which should not exceed age 70.
The expanded program also offers affordable financing, with all socialized housing units—both vertical and horizontal—eligible for subsidized rates for up to 10 years. Eligible beneficiaries may also receive additional government subsidies to further lower their monthly amortizations.
For instance, a horizontal unit priced at P850,000 would now have a monthly amortization of P3,583—down from the standard P5,233. Meanwhile, a vertical unit valued at P1.5 million would cost P6,234 per month, compared to the usual P9,235.
Speaker Romualdez said the move to include OFWs in the 4PH is a significant step in making the country’s socialized housing programs more inclusive and accessible, especially to lower-income and working-class families.
He also urged the DHSUD to continuously enhance the scope and benefits of the 4PH program to address the country’s housing backlog, which is projected to rise from the current 6.5 million to 22 million by 2040.
“Nananatiling mataas ang bilang ng mga pamilyang Pilipino na walang sariling tirahan. Kahit may hanapbuhay, kulang pa rin ang kita para makabili ng bahay. Kaya’t tungkulin naming mga lingkod-bayan na gumawa ng mga paraan upang maibigay sa kanila ang oportunidad na magkaroon ng disente at matibay na tahanan,” the Speaker said.
He assured President Marcos of the House leadership’s full support for legislative and budgetary initiatives that will help make homeownership possible for more Filipinos.
“Sa pagtataguyod natin ng Bagong Pilipinas, tungkulin natin na itaas ang dignidad at kalidad ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Ang pambansang pabahay ay isang mabisang paraan upang madama ng mga Pilipino na kasama nila ang pamahalaan sa pagtupad ng kanilang mga pangarap,” Speaker Romualdez said.
