Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 06, S. 2010)
The Pag-IBIG Fund, as referred to under Republic Act No. 9679 or the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009, is a government fund aimed at providing affordable shelter financing for Filipinos, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
All Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whether landbased or seabased, are covered by the mandatory membership of the Pag-IBIG Fund.
The mandatory coverage started on 01 August 2010.
An initial membership contribution of six hundred pesos (P600.00), representing six (6) months contribution, is required from the OFW upon registration and deployment.
Yes, an OFW may opt to contribute a higher amount as provided under Rule VI of the Home Development Mutual Fund Law.
OFWs must submit a Member Data Form (MDF) to the POEA in addition to the existing documentary requirements for membership registration and issuance of the POEA exit clearance/Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
Licensed recruitment agencies must submit the individual Member Data Forms (MDF) of their hired OFWs to the POEA as a requirement for processing workers’ documents and issuance of the POEA exit clearance/OEC.
The POEA exit clearance or Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) serves as proof that the OFW has complied with legal requirements, including registration with the Pag-IBIG Fund, and clearance from POEA prior to going abroad for overseas employment.
The Pag-IBIG Fund Law is promulgated under Republic Act No. 9679 (Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009).