The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has taken another significant step toward improving the lives of low-income and urban poor families by forging a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO). 

 The partnership aims to enroll SHFC housing beneficiaries in the Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP), a government-supported initiative that provides discounted water rates to eligible low-income consumers.

The MoU signed on 5 December in Makati by SHFC president and CEO Federico Laxa and MWSS RO Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester Ty, underscored both agencies’ dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities within the East Zone (Manila Water) and West Zone (Maynilad) concession areas.

Partnership advances SHFC’s mandate

This partnership advances SHFC’s mandate by ensuring that its beneficiaries under the flagship Community Mortgage Program, Enhanced Community Mortgage Program, and other housing initiatives not only gain access to secure shelter but also to essential services necessary for dignified living — starting with affordable, reliable water.

“For us in SHFC, this partnership represents more than just a memorandum of understanding,” Laxa said. 

“It brings to life our mission — something that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling always emphasize — that our work goes beyond housing. Our commitment is to improve the overall well-being of our beneficiaries,” he underscored

Importance of partnership 

to urban poor

For his part, Atty. Ty cited the importance of partnership to the urban poor communities. “Our mandate is clear, to ensure continuous sustainable and accessible supply of potable and most importantly, affordable water and environmentally sound sewerage system,” he said.

“Today’s signing of this MoU strengthens this mandate by deepening our engagement with marginalized and low-income households — those whom the SHFC is mandated to assist and whom the ELP is designed to support,” added Ty.

The ELP offers a discount on the Basic Charge of water bills for qualifying low-income households consuming 20 cubic meters or less per month. 

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