Pag-IBIG Fund assists 3.2 million members through cash loans in Jan–Oct, up 28%

by Info @Brand Zone | December 1, 2025

Pag-IBIG Fund helped 3.2 million Filipino workers meet their immediate financial needs through its short-term loan (STL) programs from January to October 2025, marking a 28% increase in borrowers compared to the same period last year, officials announced on Monday, Dec 1.

Officials said more members are turning to Pag-IBIG Fund for fast and affordable financial assistance during urgent moments in their lives, especially now that loan applications can be filed easily through Virtual Pag-IBIG, giving members convenient access anytime and anywhere.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairperson Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the growing number of assisted members reflects the agency’s commitment to delivering responsive and dependable public service in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Pag-IBIG Fund’s strong performance in extending Short-Term Loans reflects its proven dependability in providing Filipino workers with immediate financial assistance when they need it most,” Aliling said. “These gains reflect our resolve to fulfill President Marcos’ vision of a government that delivers timely and dependable support. Pag-IBIG remains committed to providing financial assistance that is affordable, accessible, and firmly grounded in our mandate to serve the Filipino worker with excellence.”

Of the 3.2 million members assisted, 2.74 million availed of the Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL) to cover school expenses, medical bills, livelihood capital, home repairs, and other essential needs. Another 535,546 members benefited from the Calamity Loan, enabling families to rebuild after typhoons, floods, and other disasters.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta expressed gratitude for the sustained trust of Filipino workers. She noted that earlier this year, the agency increased the loanable amount under its STL Programs, allowing members to borrow up to 90% of their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, which consist of their monthly contributions, their employer counterpart share, and the annual dividends earned.

“We recognize that our short-term loans continue to support millions of our members during life’s most urgent moments,” Acosta said. “Every day, we see parents covering school expenses, workers paying medical bills, and members sustaining their livelihoods because Pag-IBIG is here for them. That is why we work hard to ensure that our loans are easy to apply for, are processed quickly, and are conveniently released through the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus. Members can even apply through Virtual Pag-IBIG, making the process more accessible and hassle-free.”

Acosta added that the earnings from STL programs directly benefit members, because a major portion of the interest income is returned to them as annual dividends on their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings and MP2 Savings accounts.

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SSS clarifies reports on red tape complaints; All cases addressed

by Info @Brand Zone | November 27, 2025

In light of recent news reports citing the list of most complained-about government agencies based on January to August 2025 data presented by the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to the Senate during budget deliberations, the Social Security System (SSS) wishes to assure the public that its management takes these matters seriously and is committed to continuous improvement in service delivery.

“SSS is currently coordinating with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to validate the reported data involving 244 complaints.  From our own monitoring of ARTA referrals, all complaints received during the period covered were addressed and resolved within ARTA standards as our resolution rate is at 99.3%.  For the period covered by ARTA presentation to the Senate, SSS tracked a total of about 474,000 emails working diligently until they are all resolved within ARTA standards,” SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said. 

“Most complaints are about our service delivery, followed by matters concerning our loan programs, and then about contributions matters.  Service delivery complaints were mainly about queuing at the branches and repeat visits to SSS branch for a benefit claim.  Loan programs complaints were about salary loan and calamity loan programs – both were enhanced this year featuring lower interest rates – mainly on difficulty as regards calamity loan applications and challenges on loan eligibility requirements and procedures.  Contributions complaints were mainly about non-remittance by employers and long wait time for manual verification,” De Claro explained.

As far back as June 2021, the SSS created a Committee on Anti Red Tape (CART) with effective receiving of complaints and feedback as a major function and responsibility.  Such complaints and feedback are received by SSS via hotline, corporate email, postal mail, referrals from various government entities including ARTA, and through SSS Branches.  We also monitor news reports and social media for SSS-related matters and issue Press Releases or Statements to keep our stakeholders informed.

“We value transparency and accountability in all our operations. While we recognize the importance of these reports, we want to assure our members that every concern raised through our channels is being acted upon until resolved. Our partnership with ARTA reflects our commitment to improving processes and delivering efficient services,” De Claro added.

The SSS remains steadfast in its mission to provide fast, efficient, and transparent services to its members. We continue to implement reforms and digital innovations to minimize bureaucratic delays and enhance customer experience.

For inquiries or feedback, members may contact the SSS through hotline 1455, email usssaptayo@sss.gov.ph, and our branches.  See us also through our website (www.sss.gov.ph) or our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Viber, X, and Youtube) under the MYSSSPH handle for latest announcements and instructional material on SSS programs.

Celebrate a cheesy Christmas with Mang Inasal’s returning 4 Cheese Halo-Halo

by Info @Brand Zone | November 26, 2025

Mang Inasal is bringing the holiday spirit to dessert lovers nationwide with the return of its highly anticipated 4 Cheese Halo-Halo, available from November 1 to December 31, 2025. First launched as a limited-time summer treat, the dessert became a social media sensation, prompting fans to eagerly request its comeback.

The festive offering is a playful yet indulgent twist on the Filipino classic, featuring Selecta Quezo Real Ice Cream, cheesecake bites, grated cheese, and leche flan, topped with milk powder and a specially crafted milk mix. The combination delivers a creamy, sweet, and slightly salty treat that balances luxurious texture with festive fun and is ideal for sharing during the holiday season.

“We created the 4 Cheese Halo-Halo to be fun, memorable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With fans asking for its return, this Christmas edition is our way of giving something special, spreading Unli-Saya and festive cheer across the country," said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro.

The dessert’s return has already sparked excitement online, with celebrities and content creators such as Fyang Smith, Bea Borres, and Nathan Portez sharing their cheesiest moments enjoying the treat. These viral posts have racked up millions of views and thousands of shares, reinforcing the 4 Cheese Halo-Halo’s status as a trending holiday sensation.

Customers nationwide can enjoy Mang Inasal’s 4 Cheese Halo-Halo via dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, or delivery through the Mang Inasal App, Grab, or foodpanda, making it easy to celebrate a truly cheesy and festive Christmas wherever they are.

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!