SHFC, MWSS-RO ink deal on water bill discounts for low-income 4PH beneficiaries

Low-income beneficiaries of the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) consuming 20 cubic meters or less each month will be soon entitled to discounts on their water bill.

This was after the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enroll them in the Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP).

The MOU was signed on December 5 in Makati City by SHFC president and chief executive officer Federico Laxa and MWSS-RO chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty.

The deal is aimed at enrolling SHFC beneficiaries in the ELP, an initiative that provides discounted water rates to eligible low-income consumers.

It covers 4PH beneficiaries within the East Zone that is being serviced by Manila Water and the West Zone, which is under Maynilad.

“Isa na naman patunay sa patuloy na pagsusumikap ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. patungo sa mas may dignidad ma pamumuhay para sa ating mga kababayang higit na nangangailangan,” said Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling in a statement on Sunday.

(This is another proof of the continued efforts of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. towards a more dignified life for our underprivileged countrymen.)

“Malinaw po ang direktiba ng Pangulo – sa Expanded 4PH, hindi lamang pabahay ang ating hatid kundi maginhawang buhay sa mga beneficiaries at matatag na komunidad,” he added.

(The President’s directive is clear – with the Expanded 4PH, we are not only delivering socialized housing but a comfortable life for beneficiaries and a strong community.)

Under the ELP, qualified low-income households that consume 20 cubic meters or less each month are entitled to a discount on the basic charge of water bills.

To enroll, SHFC beneficiaries must present a Certification of Low Income and meet all program requirements.

Under the MOU, the SHFC shall identify low-income beneficiaries located within the service areas of Manila Water and Maynilad and prioritize those with bulk water applications for faster inclusion in the ELP.

The MWSS-RO shall coordinate with Manila Water and Maynilad to expedite the enrollment of SHFC-certified beneficiaries.

It shall also serve as the main liaison between SHFC and the concessionaires and shall address any issue and provide the necessary forms, guidelines, and support for ELP applications. — JMA/KG, GMA Integrated News