Given the Philippines’ geographic location, it is susceptible to natural disasters. Despite this vulnerability, many people do not seem to anticipate such events. Natural calamities, including volcanic eruptions, storm surges, flooding, landslides, and droughts, can occur in the Philippines, exposing Filipinos to potential tragic accidents and significant distress or losses. Individuals affected by these calamities can receive various forms of assistance, including monetary aid and loans from organizations like Pag-IBIG and the SSS.

Contrary to what people may think, the process of applying for a Pag-IBIG calamity loan is straightforward. Eligible members can utilize the loan to cover a range of expenses related to calamities, such as home repairs, medical bills, education, or even livelihood recovery. The loan amount and repayment terms offer flexibility to borrowers, making it a valuable resource in times of need.

What is the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan?

The Pag-IBIG Fund Calamity Loan Program is a cash loan facility that assists its members that have been affected by a calamity.

These are the features and fees of the loan assistance program:

• Loan Amount: Varies but members can borrow up to 8- percent of their total Pag-IBIG savings
• Payment terms: Up to 24 months

Once the fund announces that members are able to take calamity loans, they can apply up until 90 days after declaration of the state of calamity in the area. 

What is a State of Calamity?

State of calamity is a condition or situation where people suffer terrible loss, severe impact, or lasting distress due to natural disasters and man-made situations. 

The following factors are what the government declare a calamity:

• The number of lives and properties affected
• Halting of business and other operations
• Inability of citizens or residents to live a normal life

Who Can Avail Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan?

Members who fulfill the requirements of the following may apply for calamity loan:

• Philippine resident
• Member must live in an area under State of Calamity as declared by the Office of the President or the Local Sanggunian
• Member must have paid at least 24 months of membership savings
• Member must have paid at least five months of savings in the last six months
• Members must have sufficient proof of income
• If a member has an existing Pag-IBIG fund loan, payments have to be updated. 

The Pag-IBIG Fund allows members to take out a long when affected by the following events:

• Typhoon
• Storm Surge
• Tornado
• Landslide
• Earthquake
• Tsunami
• Volcanic eruption
• El Nino and La Nina phenomena

Pag-IBIG Fund also allows those who work in areas under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to apply for calamity loans. 

Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan Requirements

In addition for members to be eligible to the calamity loan, they need to submit following documents when applying for a calamity loan from Pag-IBIG:

• Accomplished Calamity Loan Application Form
• At least two valid IDs
• Proof of Income
• Selfie showing your cash card and ID card
• Declaration of being affected by the calamity

How Much is the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan Amount?

If the person is a qualified Pag-IBIG member, they can borrow up to 80 percent of the total Pag-IBIG regular savings. That includes their monthly contributions as well as employer’s contributions. The Pag-IBIG calamity loan amount may also consist of accumulated dividends earned. However, if the member has an outstanding multi-purpose or calamity loan, the existing loan balance will be deducted from the amount they will receive. 

How to Apply for a Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan in the Philippines?

Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan Application through a Representative

• Prepare Pag-IBIG calamity loan requirements
• Accomplish loan application form
• Write letter of authorization stating that your HR representative can file on your behalf
• Submit requirements and letter of the representative
• Wait for loan application to be processed

Calamity Loan Application at a Pag-IBIG Branch During Quarantine

The pandemic has changed the Pag-IBIG loan application process. Pag-IBIG branches are open from 9 AM to 3 PM (in ECQ and MECQ areas) or 8 AM to 5 PM (in GCQ and MGCQ areas) during weekdays, accommodating only the following transactions related to calamity loans:

• Scheduled releasing of checks
• Acceptance of payments
• Issuance of Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus (for MPL and calamity loan applicants only)

If a member wishes to submit their Pag-IBIG calamity loan application to the nearest branch, they need to complete the requirements and place them on the dropbox designated for short-term loan applications. After the submission, they have to wait for a Pag-IBIG Fund representative to inform them whether the application is verified and will be processed. 

Pag-IBIG Loan Online Application

Members are also allowed to apply for calamity loans online through the Virtual Pag-IBIG website.

These are the following steps:

Step 1. Visit the Virtual Pag-IBIG website.

Step 2. Select “Apply or Manage Loans” and click “Apply for a Short-term Loan.”

Step 3. Review the documents that have to be turned in for application and then click “Proceed.”

Step 4.  One the Select Loan Type, choose “Calamity Loan.”

Step 5.  Enter Pag-IBIG membership ID number or MID.

Step 6. Click “Validate your MID no.”

Step 7. Once the MID number has been validated, complete the contact details needed.

Step 8.  A One-Time PIN (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number that has been inserted.

Step 9. Check the Data Privacy agreement and click “Proceed.”

Step 10. Type in the OTP given and click “Proceed.”

Step 11. Review the Calamity Loan Application form and click “Next.”

Step 12. Select the type of Cash Card or Loyalty Plus Card.

Step 13. Enter the card number and click “Check cash card status.”

Step 14. If the card is valid, proceed to the next step. 

Step 15. Upload Calamity Loan Application (front and back), scanned copy of the valid ID, and a selfie. 

Step 16. Submit Application.

Step 17. Wait for the reference number that will be sent to the mobile number registered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the interest Rates and fees?

These are the Pag-IBIG calamity loan interest rates and fees:

• Interest rate: 5.95% per annum
• Late payment fee: 1% of outstanding balance for every day of delay

Why do I need employer’s certification or signature on the loan application form?

Employer’s signature proves the legitimacy of the application and capacity to repay the loan.

Do I need a payslip for the calamity loan application?

The Employer Confirmation of STL Application suffices to demonstrate your eligibility for a loan under the MPL or catastrophic loan program, thus you do not need to provide a payslip. Additionally, it represents your employer’s consent to deduct the payment from your monthly paycheck.

How long is the Pag-IBIG calamity loan processing time?

The loan processing time for calamity loan applications may vary from three to seven working days. However, there may also be delays because review of documents may take longer due to surge of applications and smaller workforce.

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