House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed President Marcos' latest move to benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, was pointing to the announcement by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) that OFWs may now qualify for socialized housing units under the expanded 4PH, regardless of their monthly income.

4PH stand for the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. With this gesture, the President showed he was sincere in his mission to give back to OFWs, who have sacrificed so much for their families and for the country.

"By including them in this housing initiative, we are not only addressing a basic need—we are also acknowledging their immense contribution to the nation,” Romualdez said in a statement Thursday, Aug. 7.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling earlier explained that the expanded 4PH would cover OFWs, in line with the President’s directive to ensure that the government’s flagship housing initiative benefits more Filipinos, especially those working hard abroad to support their loved ones.

“As of 2023, there are about 2.16 million OFWs across the globe who work tirelessly to send remittances home—contributions that not only support their families but also bolster the Philippine economy,” said Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman.

“Marami sa kanila ang walang sariling bahay at patuloy na nangangarap na makapundar ng tahanan para sa kanilang pamilya. Sa pamamagitan ng Expanded 4PH, mas napapalapit tayo sa katuparan ng pangarap na ito,” he added.

(Many of them do not have homes of their own and continue to dream of building a house for their families. Through the Expanded 4PH, we are getting closer to fulfilling this dream.)

Under Pag-IBIG Fund Circular No. 473, OFWs may now apply for housing under the 4PH provided they are active Pag-IBIG members, first-time homebuyers, and not older than 65 at the time of application. They must also be insurable until the loan matures, which should not exceed age 70.

The expanded program also offers affordable financing, with all socialized housing units—both vertical and horizontal—eligible for subsidized rates for up to 10 years. Eligible beneficiaries may also receive additional government subsidies to further lower their monthly amortizations.

For instance, a horizontal unit priced at P850,000 would now have a monthly amortization of P3,583—down from the standard P5,233. Meanwhile, a vertical unit valued at P1.5 million would cost P6,234 per month, compared to the usual P9,235.

Romualdez said the move to include OFWs in the 4PH is a significant step in making the country’s socialized housing programs more inclusive and accessible, especially to lower-income and working-class families.

He also urged the DHSUD to continuously enhance the scope and benefits of the 4PH program to address the country’s housing backlog, which is projected to rise from the current 6.5 million to 22 million by 2040.

“Nananatiling mataas ang bilang ng mga pamilyang Pilipino na walang sariling tirahan. Kahit may hanapbuhay, kulang pa rin ang kita para makabili ng bahay. Kaya’t tungkulin naming mga lingkod-bayan na gumawa ng mga paraan upang maibigay sa kanila ang oportunidad na magkaroon ng disente at matibay na tahanan,” the Speaker said.

(The number of Filipino families that don't have their own homes remains high. Even with jobs, their income is still not enough to buy a house. That’s why it is our duty as public servants to find ways to give them the opportunity to have a decent and sturdy home.)

He assured President Marcos of the House leadership’s full support for legislative and budgetary initiatives that will help make homeownership possible for more Filipinos.