Pag-IBIG launches cash assistance to cushion US-Iran war impact

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June 17, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Fund has launched a new cash assistance program for urgent needs to help members cope with rising household expenses amid the Middle East war.

The Special Assistance for Financial Emergencies (SAFE) Loan is the latest relief measure rolled out by the state-run housing fund, allowing qualified members to borrow up to P10,000 or up to 90 percent of their total regular savings, whichever is lower.

The loan carries an interest rate of 5.95 percent per annum and may be paid over one, two or three years, depending on the member’s preferred repayment term.

Members with an existing Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan or Calamity Loan may still receive SAFE Loan assistance.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund board chairman Jose Ramon Aliling said the program is another way to provide practical assistance to members.

“Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the SAFE Loan so qualified members may have access to affordable cash assistance for urgent household needs, especially as the effects of the Middle East conflict continue to be felt in fuel, electricity, transport and other daily expenses here at home,” Aliling said.

This followed the special benefits package earlier extended to repatriated overseas Filipino workers.

Although recent developments abroad raised hopes that tensions may ease, Pag-IBIG Fund said it could take time before fuel prices and related daily expenses return to normal.

Pag-IBIG said the amount would depend on how much they could still borrow from their Pag-IBIG regular savings, so their total Pag-IBIG short-term loans, including the SAFE Loan, remain within the allowed 90 percent limit.

Applications for the SAFE Loan are open until Sept. 8, through Virtual Pag-IBIG or any branch nationwide. Loan proceeds may be credited directly to members’ Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus.

“Its low interest rate, flexible payment terms and three-month grace period before the first payment make it a more affordable option than many other cash loan options available elsewhere,” Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta said.

Acosta noted that monthly payments for a P10,000 loan payable over three years would be as low as P308, “giving members a manageable way to address urgent needs without resorting to high-interest loans.”

Acosta reminded borrowers to pay on time to sustain the fund’s capacity to extend assistance.

“Pag-IBIG Fund is built on the savings and trust of its members,” she said. “When members borrow responsibly and pay on time, they help keep our programs available so we can continue providing affordable assistance to more Filipino workers and their families.”