What is the Pag-IBIG Fund and why do domestic helpers need to pay membership?

What is the Pag-IBIG Fund?

The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, is a home development fund run by the Philippines government. 

As Pag-IBIG members, domestic helpers in Hong Kong, similarly to other employees in the Philippines, are able to enjoy benefits such as “savings with dividend earnings, short-term cash loans and affordable housing loans”. These Pag-IBIG benefits are available to domestic helpers both while they are working in Hong Kong, as well as upon their return to the Philippines. You can read more about the Pag-IBIG Fund here.

Why do domestic helpers from the Philippines need to pay a mandatory contribution to the Pag-IBIG Fund?

Beginning February 2022, the Philippines government requires all domestic helpers to register and pay a mandatory membership fee to the Pag-IBIG Fund. Without a valid Pag-IBIG membership number, domestic helpers will not be able to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) – a government requirement for helpers to be able to leave the Philippines to work abroad. 

Note that the payment of Pag-IBIG member contributions is expected to be borne by the helper, not their employer in Hong Kong. For more information about the Pag-IBIG fund, read this advisory.

How can domestic helpers register for Pag-IBIG membership online?

Steps for Pag-IBIG Online Membership Registration:

1. Log on to Pag-IBIG Fund official website www.pagibigfund.gov.ph and click on “E-Services”
2. Under “Membership”, click on “Membership Registration”, then click “Continue to Register”
3. Enter Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, and Date of Birth followed by the security code and click on “Proceed”
4. Make sure to fill out all the mandatory fields and then click “Submit” 

Upon successful registration, you will receive your Registration Tracking Number (RTN). After 48 hours you will be able to obtain and use your Pag-IBIG Member ID number.