10 frequently asked questions about the OFW Pabahay Program

To have a home that is truly theirs—this is the dream of many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) giving their best abroad.

But when it comes to housing, prices can keep homeownership far from an OFW’s reach. 

Luckily, there is the OFW Pabahay Program, more formally known as the Tahanan ng Bagong Bayani Program or TBB. Run by the Philippine National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), TBB provides OFWs and government employees with of affordable homes located in planned communities throughout the archipelago.

If you would like to learn more about the TBB program and how to apply for a home, click here.

For those who are familiar with the TBB program but still have some questions, this guide is for you. 

An OFW who is still abroad at the time of their application can assign a trusted relative in the Philippines to process their documents, provided that the OFW has granted this relative Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

When the relative submits the OFW’s application for the OFW Pabahay Program or TBB, they must show a notarised SPA document that specifies what tasks they will complete on behalf of the OFW.

You can still gather your documents while you are abroad. Then, proceed to the Philippine embassy nearest your host country to get an apostille or authentication Certificate for these papers.

Learn more about the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) apostille process here.

To apply for the TBB program or an NHA loan, visit the official website of the Government Employees Housing Program (GEHP) or the Virtual Pag-IBIG platform, respectively.

Yes, former OFWs can still apply for a home under the TBB program if they can provide the required documents and meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

To qualify for the TBB program, you must:

• Be 65 or younger when you apply
• Be at most 70 when your loan matures
• Have an updated NHA account (if applicable)

Former OFWs applying for the TBB program must provide the following documents:

• An accomplished Application to Purchase House and Lot Form from the GEHP
• Proof that they worked abroad (e.g., an Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC)
• Proof of income
• Two (2) valid government-issued identification cards
• Their birth certificate
• Proof of marriage or separation (if applicable)

The TBB program requires all OFW applicants to present an OEC with their application. If you do not have one, contact the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) nearest you. You may also approach the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

After submitting their application, a qualified OFW will receive a Notice of Allocation via email. This is the go signal to schedule their home’s turn-over date.

The OFW will only get a Deed of Sale on their home once they have completed their payments.

You can schedule your home’s turn-over date after you receive a Notice of Allocation.

The TBB program does not require a down payment. However, an OFW may opt to make a down payment to reduce their monthly amortization. 

The cost of your monthly amortization will depend on the following conditions:

• Your home’s selling price
• Your payment plan
• Your age at the time of your application

Yes, retired or retiring OFWs who meet the age requirement and can submit the required documents are qualified to join the TBB program.

Yes, you can still qualify for a home from the TBB Program even if you already have another home from the NHA. However, you must ensure that your NHA account information is up-to-date and that any pending bills with the organisation are paid before you apply.

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Owning a home in the Philippines is an investment. It will take time, money management, and hard work to turn your dream of home ownership into reality.