THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday signed an agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Pag-IBIG Fund that will enable overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to own affordable homes.
Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople said the agreement includes eligible OFWs in the “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino” (4PH) housing program which aims to build six million houses from 2023 to 2028.
“To own a home in an affordable way, this is what this agreement offers to every OFW,” Ople said adding it is important that housing units be made available to OFWs because owning a home is their “dream.”
About 12.9 percent of OFWs set aside part of their remittances for the purpose of purchasing a house, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Under the memorandum of agreement, the DHSUD will provide a list of housing programs and services for eligible OFWs and their families.
For its part, the DMW will identify and assist eligible OFWs who may access housing programs and services of the DHSUD.
The DMW has designated the National Reintegration Center for OFWs as its focal office relative to the agreement, while the DHSUD is set to tap a team from its 4PH Project Management Office.
Ople said the program is also in recognition of the OFWs’ “huge contributions” to the country.
She said even former OFWs who are active Pag-IBIG members may avail themselves of the program.
Pag-IBIG Fund has about 1.6 million active OFW members.
Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene Acosta said the agency will conduct education and information campaigns among OFWs for membership into the fund and to encourage them to avail themselves of the 4PH program for OFWs.
