Pag-IBIG Fund Introduces Comprehensive Support for OFWs Amid Middle East Turmoil
In a significant move to assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) grappling with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the Pag-IBIG Fund has rolled out a special benefits package. This initiative, authorized under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to provide qualified members with crucial financial relief as they navigate the challenges of displacement and recovery.
Timely Assistance Aligned with Government Strategy
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, who also chairs the 11-member board of trustees at Pag-IBIG, emphasized the urgency of this support. He highlighted that this aid package is part of a broader whole-of-government approach championed by President Marcos Jr. to bolster the resilience of OFWs, whom he described as national heroes. Aliling noted that the assistance is particularly timely as repatriation efforts for affected workers continue to unfold.
Key Benefits for Qualified OFW Members
The approved package offers several substantial advantages designed to ease financial burdens:
- Early Withdrawal of Savings: Eligible OFW members can access up to 100% of their Pag-Ibig Regular Savings, including employee and employer contributions, along with dividends, even before reaching the standard 20-year maturity period.
- MP2 Savings Access: Members may withdraw up to 100% of their Modified Pag-Ibig II (MP2) Savings, including accrued earnings, prior to the usual 5-year maturity requirement.
- Housing Loan Relief: A three-month moratorium on housing loan payments is available, with no interest or penalties applied. Additionally, the loan term will be extended by three months to accommodate this pause.
Scope and Accessibility of the Program
As of February 2026, Pag-Ibig Fund serves a substantial base of 891,427 registered OFW members in the Middle East. This includes 86,234 MP2 savers and 40,024 housing loan borrowers, with the largest concentrations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait. To ensure swift and efficient delivery of these benefits, Pag-Ibig Fund CEO Marilene Acosta announced that applications will be available online through the Virtual Pag-Ibig platform. This digital approach is complemented by over 200 physical branches, OFW Centers, and service offices ready to assist members and their families.
Branch operations are tailored for convenience: offices are open from Monday to Friday, while mall-based branches operate from Tuesday to Saturday. The Virtual Pag-Ibig digital channel remains accessible 24/7, providing round-the-clock support for those in need.
