Employees are required to provide their SSS, PhilHealth, BIR, and Pag-IBIG numbers when they get accepted into the workforce. According to the Philippine Labor Code, employers should provide their employees’ remittances to the government. Most companies automatically deduct these remittances from monthly salaries, while self-employed workers settle the payments on their own.
Although a quarter will be cut from the employee’s monthly salary, it can be very helpful in the future. The remittances are meant to be financial assistance for retirement, sudden illnesses, and more.
The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), more commonly known as Pag-IBIG Fund, is a government-owned agency that offers short-term loans and housing programs to its members. To celebrate its 39th anniversary, the agency launched the Virtual Pag-IBIG to cater to its 14 million members on Dec. 12.
“With this new service, it’s like having your own personal Pag-IBIG Fund branch at your fingertips. With just a smartphone and an internet connection, members can do their transactions with Pag-IBIG Fund online, anytime, wherever they are,” said Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Acmad Rizaldy Moti.
Features of the Virtual Pag-IBIG
According to Pag-IBIG Fund secretary Eduardo del Rosario, the Virtual Pag-IBIG has been a long-term project which was lifted from beta version on the day of its launch.
“Before launching, we made sure that support systems were prepared and that the security of our database was put into place,” del Rosario added.
Members can access the virtual Pag-IBIG through the agency’s official website; and create their account in three ways. First, Loyalty Card Plus holders can activate their accounts through their card numbers. Second, non-Loyalty card holders can create their accounts which can be activated by visiting any Pag-IBIG branch. Third, OFWs can set up their accounts with the help of the agency’s international operations.
“The password will be your identification number (once members activate their virtual Pag-IBIG accounts). If you log in, this identification number is the first thing that you will provide. Once you enter, no one can enter your own information except you,” del Rosario explained.
Once members activate their Virtual Pag-IBIG accounts, they can also secure their Membership ID (MID) numbers, enroll for an MP2 savings account, monitor the status of loan applications, access their savings records, and view their loan balances.
The Virtual PAG-IBIG also includes online payment facilities for PayMaya, Visa, Mastercard, and JCG credit card users.
“You don’t have to go to the branch. When you make transactions, you can even get feedback that your transaction is completed… And the branches itself will now have shorter queues,” del Rosario stated.
Security of the Virtual Pag-IBIG
Before launch of the virtual Pag-IBIG, the agency ran several tests to make sure that the members’ accounts are secure enough to not attract hackers.
“When you develop a system, it takes time. Since it’s the first time for a government agency to launch this kind of technology, we are taking advantage of this opportunity,” del Rosario explained.
The need for Pag-IBIG branches
Del Rosario clarified that it’s not mandatory for Pag-IBIG members to register an account in the Virtual Pag-IBIG despite its launch.
“We cannot do that because some members have limited internet access. We still need the branches’ physical presence and we aim to add more in far-flung areas. If they need certain information, they still can go to the branches near them,” del Rosario stated.
He added that there is a need to increase branches, but with the Virtual Pag-IBIG, the agency will not be requiring a lot of personnel to attend to its members, especially in urban areas.
Virtual Pag-IBIG members can create their accounts at www.pagibigfundservices.com/virtualpagibig. For more information about Pag-IBIG Fund’s services, you can check out their official website at www.pagibigfundservices.com.
