Mark Ken Carmelita, Members Services Officer III of Pag-ibig Fund, says self-employed persons with no fixed income are encouraged to enroll as members and enjoy benefits such as the multi-purpose, housing and calamity loans.
ILOILO CITY -- The Home Development Mutual Fund (HMDF) or Pag-IBIG Fund is reaching out to “other working groups” to be members and enjoy benefits such as the multi-purpose, housing and calamity loans.
In an interview Wednesday, Mark Ken Carmelita, Members Services Officer at the Pag-IBIG Molo Branch, said Republic Act 9679, the law which created the HDMF, mandates the “universal coverage” of the Pag-IBIG Fund.
This means that aside from the formal sector or those employed in the government or private sector, those who are in the “other working groups” can also be Pag-IBIG Fund members.
Carmelita said "other working groups" refer to drivers, market vendors, fisherfolk and farmers, provided they are between 18 to 60 years old, noting that they can be considered as self-employed but they have no fixed income.
“Under this program, for as low as PHP100 per month, they can already be a Pag-IBIG Fund member,” he said. They may opt to pay in monthly or quarterly basis, he added.
He said it would be easier if they have an association because they can pay through their association or through group payment.
He added that if they are active members for two years, they can already avail of loans that are being offered by the Pag-IBIG Fund.
Meanwhile, Carmelita said it is “mandatory” for employed individuals to become members of the Pag-IBIG Fund, whether they are on a probationary or regular status.
“Based on the implementing rules of RA 9679 under Membership Coverage, aside from the permanent or regular employees, all probationary and temporary (employees) are covered,” he said.
The income ceiling should be maximum of PHP5,000, which is equivalent to PHP100. The employer should also shoulder a counterpart contribution of PHP100.
Those who would like to be a member are advised to proceed to any Pag-IBIG branch or at the Molo branch at the second floor of the GT Mall in Molo district.
The Molo branch caters to clients from Arevalo, Molo and City Proper districts of Iloilo City; municipalities of Alimodian, Leon and San Miguel in Iloilo; and provinces of Guimaras and Antique (except for towns of Pandan and Libertad). (PNA)
