CEBU CITY – A rare opportunity for Filipino workers to turn the dream of homeownership into reality arrives this week as the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag‑IBIG Fund) mounts a two‑day regional housing fair at the IEC Convention Center Cebu (IC3). Running from April 30 to May 1, 2026, the event is expected to draw over 5,000 homeseekers and will showcase more than 20,000 housing units from partner developers and Pag‑IBIG’s own inventory of acquired assets. This ambitious gathering is part of a nationwide series of regional fairs, following successful legs in Central Luzon and South Luzon, with Mindanao and Metro Manila events also on the horizon. Under the Marcos administration’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the fair is designed to bring housing supply, affordable financing, and government assistance under one roof—eliminating the need for protracted searches and confusing loan applications.
‘From Hoping to Owning’ – A One‑Stop Shop for Filipino Workers
The Cebu fair is more than a simple marketplace; it is a comprehensive “one‑stop shop” where attendees can browse thousands of units, consult directly with nearly 50 accredited developers from Regions 6, 7 and 8, and process their Pag‑IBIG housing loan applications on the spot. Pag‑IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta emphasized that this integrated approach reduces both the time and cost of finding a home. “Through these regional housing fairs, we are making it easier and less costly for members to find a home by bringing quality housing units available for sale, partner developers, and Pag‑IBIG Fund financing together in one place,” Acosta said.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who chairs the Pag‑IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, framed the initiative as a direct response to the President’s call for decent and affordable housing. “By continuing these housing fairs in South Luzon and the Visayas, Pag‑IBIG Fund is bringing together leading private developers, Pag‑IBIG Fund’s affordable financing programs, and government assistance in one accessible venue, so that more workers can move from simply hoping for a home to actually taking concrete steps toward owning one,” Aliling stated. The fair includes not only brand‑new projects but also Pag‑IBIG Acquired Assets—foreclosed properties that are offered for sale at highly competitive prices, providing an additional avenue for bargain‑seeking buyers.
Lowered Income Ceiling and 3% Interest – A Loan for Every Level
A game‑changing feature of the Cebu fair is the expansion of income eligibility under the Expanded 4PH Program. Previously, Pag‑IBIG’s affordable housing loan was restricted to borrowers earning at most ₱14,000 a month. Under the new rules, that ceiling has been raised to ₱34,600—dramatically widening the pool of low‑ and moderate‑income earners who can qualify for the subsidized 3% interest rate. “The income requirement was expanded so that more people can qualify, especially those in the low‑income bracket. We are showcasing two programs: the affordable housing loan for low‑income earners, and the regular program for higher income brackets—thus, there is a corresponding program for every income level,” explained Marion Gerlie Delos Reyes, Project Development Officer III of Pag‑IBIG Fund Visayas.
Overseas Filipino Workers are also eligible regardless of income level, a provision that Delos Reyes said is particularly significant. “We all know that many OFWs do not yet have homes of their own. With the lower interest rate and expanded qualification, we are hoping more of them can finally afford the home they’ve been dreaming of,” she added. To further sweeten the deal, Pag‑IBIG is offering an Early Bird Promo: the first 30,000 qualified borrowers may enjoy the same 3% interest rate for the first 10 years of their loan, instead of the standard five‑year window.
Monthly amortizations under the Expanded 4PH start at just ₱4,005. A two‑storey house‑and‑lot is available for as low as ₱4,387.24 per month, while a separate house‑and‑lot promo at a 4.5% interest rate for properties valued up to ₱1.8 million offers monthly payments starting at ₱9,120. All loans carry a 100% loan‑to‑value ratio, meaning no cash equity is required upfront. Buyers interested in projects outside the Visayas may be referred to counterpart Pag‑IBIG offices, ensuring that anyone who attends can find a path to a home.
Pre‑Registration and Minimal Requirements – A Streamlined Path to Ownership
To make the fair as efficient as possible, Pag‑IBIG is encouraging prospective buyers to pre‑register before arriving. Pre‑registration triggers a pre‑qualification assessment, so attendees will already know their maximum loanable amount before they start browsing the housing inventory. The documentary requirements for buyers are minimal: a housing loan application form, one valid government‑issued ID, and proof of income. The remaining paperwork—including the title, tax declaration, and contract to sell—is the responsibility of the developer. Once all documents are complete and the property is verified, Pag‑IBIG Fund is mandated to issue a notice of approval, dramatically shortening the usual waiting period.
The event is free and open to the public starting at 8 a.m. on both days. Given the expected large turnout of over 5,000 homeseekers, early arrival is advised. For those who cannot attend in person, Pag‑IBIG has assured that additional fairs are scheduled in Mindanao and Metro Manila later in the year, bringing the same affordable housing opportunities closer to Filipino families across the archipelago.
From Renting to Owning – A Foundation for a Better Future
Beyond the immediate excitement of selecting a home, the fair carries a deeper social mission. DHSUD Secretary Aliling underscored that providing families with access to decent and affordable shelter is a critical intervention in breaking the cycle of poverty. “Ang pagkakaroon ng sariling tahanan ay hindi lamang tungkol sa tirahan. Ito ay pundasyon ng mas maayos at may dignidad na pamumuhay,” Aliling said. “Kapag ang isang pamilya ay may sariling bahay, mas nagiging matatag ang kanilang kinabukasan at mas nagkakaroon sila ng pagkakataong makaahon sa kahirapan.”
Pag‑IBIG CEO Acosta echoed this sentiment, noting that many families may find that what they would otherwise spend on rent can already be used to start paying for a home they will eventually own. “This allows members not only to realize possible savings on monthly housing costs, but also to build long‑term household stability, equity, and a more secure future,” Acosta said. By freeing up resources that would otherwise go to a landlord, homeownership enables families to redirect their income toward education, healthcare, and livelihood—creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the four walls of a new home.
