Nearly 30,000 Homebuyers to Join DHSUD, Pag-IBIG Fund at National Housing Expo on Oct. 23-24

by Info @Brand Zone | October 22, 2025

PR 2025-27, October 22, 2025

Nearly 30,000 potential homebuyers are expected to attend the National Housing Expo as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Pag-IBIG Fund, key government shelter agencies, and private developers showcase housing opportunities at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on October 23 and 24. 

The event serves as a showcase of the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. More than 100,000 brand-new homes will be on sale through the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan from the top 50 developers in the country, while over 30,000 Pag-IBIG Acquired Assets will be offered at discounts of up to 40 percent. 

“The National Housing Expo stands as a landmark initiative that unites and brings together the entire housing sector, both government agencies and private institutions alike, in fulfillment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that every Filipino family has access to affordable and decent housing,” said DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling. 

“As part of our National Shelter Month activities this October, we are also holding regional housing fairs in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga, Bacolod, Batangas, and General Santos. These events, along with this Expo in Metro Manila, form part of our nationwide push to bring the Expanded 4PH Program closer to Filipino families across the country,” he added.

At the Expo, visitors will be able to browse exhibits of housing projects in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. A key feature that distinguishes the Expo is that potential homebuyers will be assessed for their Pag-IBIG Housing Loan entitlement based on their income, allowing them to identify which properties they can afford through the agency’s affordable loan programs. They will also be able to get direct assistance from Pag-IBIG Fund and attend scheduled learning sessions throughout the two-day event.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to helping more Filipino workers own homes through affordable and accessible financing. She said the Expo underscores the strong collaboration among housing agencies and the private sector in advancing President Marcos' vision of inclusive and dignified housing for all. 

“Pag-IBIG Fund remains the largest home financier in the country. We continue to make homeownership easier and more affordable through our 3 percent interest rate for socialized housing under the Expanded 4PH Program. Just recently, we reduced our rate to only 4.5 percent per annum for properties worth up to ₱1.8 million, available to the first 10,000 local workers and 1,000 overseas Filipino workers,” Acosta said. “For those seeking ready-to-occupy homes with substantial discounts, the Pag-IBIG Acquired Assets Super Sale runs until December. Meanwhile, members planning to renovate their homes can avail of our Home Improvement Loan program, which offers up to ₱300,000 in financing for repairs and upgrades. Pag-IBIG Fund stands ready to support every Filipino worker in their journey to homeownership. Backed by our strong financial position, we are committed to making affordable and dignified housing a reality for all,” she added. 

Registration for the National Housing Expo is ongoing at https://events.pagibigfund.gov.ph . Admission is free, and slots for Day 2 are still available.

Technopreneurs and Community Leaders Unite at the 2025 Regional SETUP and CEST Summit.

by Info @Brand Zone | October 10, 2025

In photo: 2025 Regional SETUP & CEST Summit stood as a platform for collaboration and inspiration, reinforcing the role of science, technology, and innovation in building smarter, more competitive

The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1) successfully brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders at the 2025 Regional SETUP & CEST Summit held on September 16, 2024, at Hotel Ariana & Restaurant, Paringao, Bauang, La Union. The event, spearheaded by the Regional Program Management Office of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, served as a venue to highlight success stories, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships for innovation and sustainability. 

In her keynote message, DOST 1 Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog described the gathering as a high-level conference that signifies the participants’ greatest achievements. She urged the attendees to treasure both good and difficult experiences, as these shape competence and drive innovation. “We all strive for success, and as Tony Robbins once said, ‘The path to success is to take massive, determined action.’ That action begins now,” she emphasized, inspiring technopreneurs and community leaders to continue learning and innovating for a brighter and more sustainable future. 

The morning session focused on technology and innovation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). On behalf of Balik Scientist Dr. Albert J. Causo, Engr. Nicole Abejuela underscored DOST’s support for beneficiaries through the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Ms. Johnestle Loi Cena also introduced the CUATRO program, designed to bridge gaps between entrepreneurs and suppliers, describing it as a one-stop transformation platform that fosters growth for businesses and future-proofing policies for communities. 

The afternoon sessions, dubbed “CESTsions,” centered on the theme “CESTalk: Circular Economy Demystified.” Ms. Aloha May Renion of DENR Regional Office discussed the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, which holds companies accountable for managing plastic packaging waste while promoting eco-friendly practices. Mr. Drake Lim of SM City La Union highlighted the Waste Free Future campaign, which recycles materials, processes food waste into compost, and converts cooking oil into biofuel.

Engr. Edison Acosta of DOST-Ilocos Sur concluded the discussions by emphasizing the role of the circular economy in creating new opportunities for innovation through renewable energy, biodegradable packaging, and waste-to-product technologies. 

The Summit closed with an open forum where participants shared insights and suggestions on sustainability and innovation. Overall, the 2025 Regional SETUP & CEST Summit stood as a platform for collaboration and inspiration, reinforcing the role of science, technology, and innovation in building smarter, more competitive, and sustainable communities in Region 1.( 𝐴𝑙𝑦𝑧𝑧𝑎 𝐽𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑁. 𝐺𝑎𝑝𝑢𝑧 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑎 𝑀𝑎𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑛)

PCSO Honored at 2025 GOCCs’ Day for Outstanding Public Service

by Info @Brand Zone | October 7, 2025

In photo: The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Board receives the certificate of recognition, led by PCSO Chairperson Judge Felix P. Reyes (center) and General Manager Melquiades A. Robles (3^rd from left). Also in the photo are Board Secretary Atty. Charles Frederick T.  Co and Directors Imelda A.  Papin, Janet De Leon Mercado, Jennifer Liongson Guevara, and Assistant General Manager for Gaming Sector Atty. Lyssa Grace S. Pagano (far right). By: Leila Valencia

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) was honored by the government during the celebration of the Government- Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs’) Day on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Malacañang.

The recognition affirmed the agency’s vital role in strengthening public service and nation-building, especially through its significant remittances and meaningful programs that touch the lives of many Filipinos.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with the Department of Finance (DOF), presented the award to PCSO officials during the GOCCs’ Day celebration in Malacañang.

This year, PCSO remitted a total of ₱1.77 billion to the National Treasury, contributing to the total ₱116.84 billion dividend remittances from 53 GOCCs. These funds are earmarked to boost the economy, strengthen the healthcare system, and uplift the lives of Filipino families.

The President stressed that the GOCCs have been instruments of growth, equity, and empowerment. 

''Through their contributions, we have built infrastructure, expanded services, invested in communities especially those that have long been marginalized. Because of your determination and compassion, more Filipinos are being reached and served by our programs,” President Marcos said in his keynote address.

He also shared uplifting news, announcing the approval of a salary increase for GOCC employees along with the provision of tiered medical allowances, in recognition of their dedicated service to the nation.

For PCSO, this recognition serves as both an achievement and a challenge to further improve the delivery of honest, efficient, and compassionate public service in building a stronger Bagong Pilipinas.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto also emphasized that GOCCs like PCSO are not merely “government-owned” but “people-owned.” He stressed that every service delivered, and every peso remitted is a direct investment in the welfare of the Filipino people.

PCSO remains steadfast in its mission of service and charity, living by its mantra: “PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong,” a constant reminder that every effort, every service, and every program is dedicated to helping the Filipino people.