Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can now access socialized housing units under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, regardless of their monthly income, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling highlighted that this development is part of a circular recently released by the Pag-IBIG Fund under the Expanded 4PH exclusive programs. The move is part of the administration's effort to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by OFWs, who are often referred to as 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," Secretary Aliling stated. “Maliit na bagay lamang po ito kung ikukumpara sa mga sakripisyo sa pangingibang-bansa at pagkalayo sa pamilya, at sa ambag sa ekonomiya ng ating mga bayaning OFWs.”

The new qualification, introduced in Pag-IBIG Fund Circular No. 473, signed by CEO Marilene Acosta on July 10, 2025, allows OFWs to avail of socialized housing units under the Expanded 4PH program without being restricted by their income classification.

However, OFWs must still meet other requirements, including active membership in the Pag-IBIG Fund, being a first-time homeowner, not exceeding 65 years of age at the time of application, and being insurable and no older than 70 years at loan maturity.

As of 2023, there are approximately 2.16 million OFWs worldwide, many of whom can now benefit from this expanded program.

For non-OFWs, Filipino first-time homebuyers earning monthly incomes of up to P47,000 in Metro Manila and P34,684 outside the capital are eligible for the program.

Under the new guidelines, socialized housing units—both vertical and horizontal—enrolled in the Expanded 4PH program will be subject to a 3% interest rate for up to 10 years, nearly halving the current prevailing interest rate of 6.25% per annum.

For example, a horizontal socialized housing unit priced at P850,000 would require only a P3,583 monthly amortization, compared to P5,233 with the current interest rate. Similarly, for a vertical unit priced at P1.5 million, the new monthly payment would be as low as P6,324 instead of P9,235.

These rates could decrease further if applicants qualify for government subsidies.

"Ang utos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay iabot ang lahat ng matutulong sa ating mga kababayan upang mas gumaan ang kanilang buhay. Kaya naman tuluy-tuloy po ang DHSUD sa paggawa ng mga konsepto upang lalong maging affordable sa lahat ang pabahay sa ilalim ng Expanded 4PH," Secretary Aliling added.

"Sa mga susunod na linggo, may mga bagong guidelines tayong ilalabas para mas mapabuti pa ang implementasyon ng Expanded 4PH," he said.