Pag-IBIG privilege card out soon

CEBU, Philippines - Pag-IBIG will soon be coming up with a privilege card that can be used by its members to get discount in shopping malls, pharmacies, and even in schools and hospitals. Cebu is among the three pilot areas for the program.

Pag-IBIG officials have initially discussed the new program with the management of the establishments they hope to partner with.

Rio Teves, department manager of Pag-IBIG-Cebu South Branch, said that this privilege card is expected to be in full swing in Cebu in July.

Teves said that they will have a meeting with the management of Rose Pharmacy on Thursday to discuss the scope of the discounts to be given to Pag-IBIG members.

Teves said that he had also initial talks with the management of the University of the Visayas to determine which courses the discount can be availed of. He’s also planning to meet with the management of Cafe Laguna and a mall here.

"By February of next year, we expect that this program will be implemented nationwide," said Teves during the Kapihan sa PIA forum yesterday.

Portia Bacalso, division chief of Pag-IBIG marketing and enforcement, is also encouraging all employers to have their employees registered on-line.

Bacalso explained that a member who is not registered on-line will have a hard time applying for any loan.

Once the application is confirmed, the client will be given a Registration Tracking Number, which will serve as a temporary account number while the application is still being processed.

A permanent Pag-IBIG Membership ID will be issued and can be used nationwide in all Pag-IBIG transactions.

Anthony Maglunsod, assistant department manager of Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu South Branch, also informed the public that housing loans can now be availed of a much lower rate and much bigger loan take-out.

"This is our way of making housing loans more affordable among our members," Maglunsod said.

Teves encouraged Pag-IBIG members to increase their savings contribution.

"We already have 12 million members nationwide. We are now encouraging our members to increase their savings contribution," Teves added.— /FPL (FREEMAN)