In the wake of Friday’s cabinet reshuffle announcement by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, a fresh swirl of speculation is gaining traction: Samuel Young, a relatively low-profile undersecretary at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, may soon be tapped to lead the Pag-IBIG Fund.
While Malacañang remains tight-lipped, a highly reliable source within the administration told DAILY TRIBUNE that Young is being “strongly considered” to replace incumbent Pag-IBIG CEO Marilene Acosta, a 40-year veteran of the Fund.
Young’s public service résumé might not yet be household knowledge, but his digital imprint in government is undeniable. From his LinkedIn profile, he is a computer Science graduate from the University of British Columbia. Young’s corporate beginnings include a stint as Head of Equities at Security Bank before he entered public service in 2022.
During his time as DHSUD undersecretary, Young led the department’s Knowledge Management and Information Systems Service. Most notably, he spearheaded the development of the 4PH website, a central platform providing access to President Marcos Jr.’s flagship housing program, Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino.
If confirmed, the appointment could spark unease within the ranks of Pag-IBIG Fund loyalists. Marilene Acosta, a Certified Public Accountant, rose through the ranks from an accounting clerk in Baguio to the top executive post.
Under her leadership — formally beginning in 2022 — Pag-IBIG posted record highs in housing loan releases, membership savings, and net income.