Pag-IBIG Fund offers SAFE Loan to help members amid effects of Middle East conflict

Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the Special Assistance for Financial Emergencies or SAFE Loan, which provides qualified members with up to P10,000 in affordable cash assistance for urgent needs amid the continuing effects of the Middle East conflict, officials announced.

The assistance forms part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s continuing support for Filipino workers and their families, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to provide timely and practical help to Filipinos during times of need. It follows the special benefits package earlier extended to overseas Filipino worker (OFW) members repatriated from the Middle East.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the SAFE Loan is another way for Pag-IBIG Fund to provide practical assistance to members as the government continues to help Filipino families manage the effects of developments abroad.

“President Marcos has directed government agencies to bring timely and practical help closer to Filipino families, especially in times of need,” Mr. Aliling said. “In response, 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.”

Mr. Aliling said the SAFE Loan also forms part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s broader response to the effects of the situation in the Middle East, following the special benefits package earlier extended to repatriated OFW members.

“We first extended assistance to our repatriated OFW members because they were directly affected by the situation in the Middle East,” Mr. Aliling added. “Now, we are also providing added support to qualified members here at home who may feel the effects through their daily expenses. Pag-IBIG Fund is here to provide help that is practical, affordable and within reach.”

While recent developments abroad have raised hopes that tensions may ease, Pag-IBIG Fund said it may take time before fuel prices and related daily expenses return to normal. The SAFE Loan is being offered as practical assistance that qualified members may turn to for urgent household needs.

Under the SAFE Loan, qualified members may borrow up to P10,000 or up to 90% of their total Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, whichever is lower. The loan carries a low interest rate of 5.95% 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. The amount they may receive will depend on how much they can 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% limit. This gives qualified members another source of assistance during this period. Applications may be filed until Sept. 8, 2026.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the SAFE Loan allows qualified members to get quick and affordable cash assistance for urgent needs, giving them a safe alternative to abusive or high-interest loans.

“We made the SAFE Loan simple and easy to access so our members can apply with greater convenience and receive their loans quickly once approved,” Ms. Acosta said. “They may apply through Virtual Pag-IBIG or at any Pag-IBIG Fund branch, and the loan proceeds may be credited directly to their 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. For a P10,000 loan payable over three years, the monthly payment is as low as P308, giving members a manageable way to address urgent needs without resorting to high-interest loans.”

Ms. Acosta also reminded members that paying their loans on time helps keep Pag-IBIG Fund’s programs strong and available to more members who may need assistance.

“Pag-IBIG Fund is built on the savings and trust of its members,” Ms. Acosta 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.”

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