Pag-IBIG Fund, DHSUD, DSWD Turned Over 4PH Homes to 4Ps Beneficiaries in San Mateo, Rizal

by Info @Brand Zone | October 4, 2025

Pag-IBIG Fund, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over new housing units on Monday, 29 September, to graduating qualified beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who are also active Pag-IBIG Fund members.

The turnover ceremony, held at the Abuab Housing Project in San Mateo, Rizal, also marked the kick-off of National Shelter Month 2025, reinforcing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to provide safe, decent, and affordable shelter for all Filipinos. The event showcased the result of strong collaboration among national government agencies and local government units, working together to expand access to dignified housing under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH).

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in fulfilling the administration’s housing goals.

"President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to help one another in making homeownership more accessible to Filipinos, especially our 4Ps beneficiaries. Today’s turnover is a fulfillment of that directive. This is the first Expanded 4PH pilot project in Region IV-A. In close coordination with DSWD, we are matching the housing needs of 4Ps families in our collective effort to uplift lives," said Secretary Aliling.

Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative on social development.

"DSWD’s mandate is not only to provide relief during times of crisis but to help our fellow Filipinos break free from poverty. This is the first time we have partnered with DHSUD on a project like this, and we are grateful that our 4Ps beneficiaries now have the chance to own a home through the expanded 4PH program. Hindi na kayo uupa. May sarili na kayong tahanan," said Secretary Gatchalian.

Pag-IBIG Fund, represented by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar, affirmed that qualified members can avail of their own homes at Abuab Towers, which will offer a total of 4,330 condominium units. For a 24-square-meter unit, the monthly amortization is as low as ₱6,201.81 and can be further reduced to ₱4,849.38 with DHSUD’s subsidy.

More than 100 4Ps beneficiaries have already received Notices of Approval for their Pag-IBIG housing loans, with several formally receiving their units during the ceremony. Pag-IBIG Fund continues to serve members nationwide through a wide range of benefits, including savings programs, multi-purpose loans for urgent needs, and other housing modalities under the Expanded 4PH Program.

To bring services closer to the community, Pag-IBIG Fund deployed its Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels (LPOW) during the event. The mobile service unit provided on-the-spot assistance for membership registration, housing loan inquiries, and other programs.

The San Mateo turnover stands as a milestone in the joint efforts of DHSUD, DSWD, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Local Government of San Mateo to realize the government's vision of providing every Filipino family with a decent and affordable home.

Mang Inasal ignites October with Ihaw Fest 2025

by Info @Brand Zone | October 4, 2025

Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, is heating up October with Ihaw Fest 2025, its biggest annual promo running nationwide from October 1 to 31.

Carrying the theme “Ihaw Fest: Ihaw-Sarap, Unli-Saya Deals,” (Grill Fest: Deliciously Grilled, Unlimited Fun Deals) the campaign gives customers sulit (worth it) treats all month long. From October 1 to 15, those who buy two Chicken Inasal Large Value Meals of the same variant get a free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo Small. Meanwhile, from October 16 to 31, every Family Fiesta Bundle order will also come with two free Palabok Solo.

“Our Ihaw Fest is about giving consumers more reasons to get together and enjoy their Mang Inasal moments,” said Mang Inasal marketing head Mari Aldecoa. “Whether it’s a quick lunch with officemates, a fun dine-in with friends, or a Family Fiesta at home, we hope that every time people enjoy their Ihaw-Sarap favorites, they also feel the Unli-Saya of being with loved ones, because at the end of the day, what really stays with us are the happy moments we share at the table.”

Customers can enjoy Ihaw Fest deals through dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, or delivery, making the promo easy to access across the country. This October feast offers new ways to gather, share stories, and savor Mang Inasal’s well-loved flavors.

Mang Inasal, best known for its Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Palabok, and Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, has continued to strengthen its position in the quick service restaurant industry. In the 2025 Brand Finance report, the company was named the Strongest QSR Brand in the Philippines and ranked 7^th among the country’s strongest brands overall, a recognition credited to its solid sales growth, high customer trust, and enduring brand loyalty.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://order.manginasal.ph/ for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

SSS launches EMV-equipped, dual-function MySSS Card

by Info @Brand Zone | October 1, 2025

QUEZON CITY – In response to the 8 September 2025 directive issued by Department of Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission ex-officio Chair Ralph G. Recto to roll out faster services to pensioners and members, the Social Security System (SSS) has officially launched the MySSS Card – designed to transform the way Filipino workers, pensioners, and their beneficiaries access their social security benefits and financial services.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes De Claro stated that the MySSS Card fulfills two purposes. It acts as an official ID, replacing the long-standing Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card. It also operates as a fully functional debit card linked to a savings account.

De Claro noted that the card is equipped with an EMV chip. It is integrated with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) eVerify and biometric authentication. This provides a safe and convenient way for members to access SSS benefits and loans, as well as manage their daily financial transactions.

It merges social security benefits with digital banking, offering members a comprehensive way to access benefits, loans, and pensions quickly and conveniently. The card can also be used for shopping, public transport fares, and online purchases, De Claro explained.

The card will be issued exclusively through SSS partner banks. Issuance will start with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and will later include other banks such as Asia United Bank (AUB), China Bank, and Union Bank of the Philippines.

De Claro said the MySSS Card will automatically serve as the main disbursement account for SSS members. "Once members apply for the MySSS Card, we will link their partner bank savings accounts to SSS for benefits, loans, and other proceeds. They no longer need to enroll the MySSS Card in the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM)."

He stated that starting today, 1 October 2025, SSS will accept applications for the MySSS Card. RCBC, through its digital arm DiskarTech, will be the card’s first implementer.

"The SSS and RCBC partnership marks a significant milestone in the digital

transformation of government services," he continued. "The MySSS Card’s rollout will expand as more partner banks join the program. This will provide more options for card issuance and banking features."

How to Apply for the MySSS Card

The MySSS Card is available to all SSS members, pensioners, individual claimants, beneficiaries, and representative payees who meet the following requirements:

• Possess a permanent SS number;

• Have an active account on the My.SSS Portal with updated personal details, including local address, mobile number, and email; and

• Be registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) under the National ID system, previously known as the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).

Members with old SSS, UMID, or previous ID cards may apply for the MySSS Card to replace lost or existing cards.

De Claro said the MySSS Card application is simple and can be completed via My.SSS.

"Members choose their partner bank—initially RCBC—and consent to data sharing between SSS, the National ID system, and the bank."

After online verification and identity confirmation, members open a bank account either using their online app or by visiting a branch. For RCBC, members use the DiskarTech app to open the account.

The partner bank will produce and distribute the cards. Metro Manila residents will receive their cards within 15 working days, while those outside Metro Manila will receive theirs within 20 working days.

He concluded that launching the MySSS Card is part of a larger government push. This initiative is led by Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission ex-officio Chair Recto, who has championed reforms within the SSS to enhance its service delivery. #