In the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami), the Pag-IBIG Fund in Calabarzon remains committed to supporting its members by continuing to offer calamity loans. This announcement was made during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum at Hotel Marciano in Calamba City, Laguna, on November 12, 2024. Nanette Abilay, the Acting Vice President for Home Lending Operations – Luzon Group at Pag-IBIG Fund, emphasized that members in areas declared under a state of calamity can still apply for these loans.
The storm, which wreaked havoc across Luzon and the Bicol Region, including Calabarzon, led to widespread flooding and landslides. Abilay confirmed that members can visit any nearby Pag-IBIG office to inquire about insurance coverage for storm-related damages. The calamity loan, she explained, amounts to 80 percent of a member’s total Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, with an annual interest rate of 5.95 percent. Repayment options include 24 or 36 months, with the first payment deferred for three months.
Eligible members have a 90-day window from the calamity declaration to apply for the loan. Following the impact of STS Kristine, the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon were declared under a state of calamity starting October 24.
From July 2022 to September 2024, Pag-IBIG Fund disbursed PHP1.90 billion in calamity loans and PHP14.90 billion in Multi-Purpose Loans (MPL) in the Calabarzon region. Additionally, Pag-IBIG Fund has approved a one-month moratorium on housing loan payments for victims of Kristine in calamity-declared areas, effective until December 31. Affected members must apply for this moratorium through Virtual Pag-IBIG or at the nearest Pag-IBIG branch.
Abilay also highlighted the convenience of Virtual Pag-IBIG, which provides 24/7 online services, allowing members to access Pag-IBIG Fund services anytime, anywhere, with just their permanent Pag-IBIG Membership ID (MID) number.