Pag-IBIG launches online public auction

THE Pag-IBIG FUND has launched the Online Public Auction (OPA) involving its acquired assets. Through OPA, interested homebuyers could select from the agency's properties for sale and submit their bids using an online platform, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta said on Friday. Acosta, who led the launching in Makati City, said that with OPA, prospective buyers no longer need to visit a Pag-IBIG branch. "Using any device with an internet connection, homebuyers can register for their permanent Buyer ID (identification) and explore available properties — all without needing to visit a Pag-IBIG branch," she said. An "Add to Cart" feature allows homebuyers to submit their bids on multiple properties with just one click. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said OPA is the fund's response to the government's call to be innovative in making homeownership more accessible to Filipino workers. "Through this new platform, we hope to make the process of buying Pag-IBIG Fund's acquired assets convenient and more accessible," said Acuzar, who also heads the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. Acosta said her agency is committed to digitalization and is capitalizing on technology for improved service offerings. "We are in the digital age. The OPA is part of our continued commitment to harness technology, with the ultimate objective of helping the Filipino worker achieve their dream of homeownership," she said. Those who wish to bid manually can still do so until Dec. 31, 2024. The OPA will be implemented effective Jan. 1, 2025, for the first and second public auctions. Negotiated sales would be rolled out within November this year, the officials said.