Low-income families and urban poor communities under the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) stand to benefit from discounted water bills following the agency’s partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO).

SHFC and MWSS RO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 5 December in Makati to facilitate the enrollment of SHFC housing beneficiaries into the government’s Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP), which provides reduced water rates for qualified low-income consumers.

The agreement was inked by SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and MWSS RO Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester Ty, covering beneficiaries within the concession areas of Manila Water in the East Zone and Maynilad in the West Zone.

Under the partnership, beneficiaries of SHFC’s flagship programs—including the Community Mortgage Program and the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program—will be assisted in gaining access not only to secure housing but also to affordable and reliable water services.

“For us in SHFC, this partnership represents more than just a memorandum of understanding,” Laxa said, noting that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of improving the overall well-being of housing beneficiaries beyond shelter alone.

Ty, for his part, underscored the importance of extending affordable water services to marginalized sectors. “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, adding that the MOU strengthens MWSS RO’s engagement with low-income households targeted by the ELP.

The Enhanced Lifeline Program grants discounts on the basic charge of water bills for qualified households consuming 20 cubic meters or less per month. Enrollment requires a Certification of Low Income and compliance with other program requirements.

As part of the agreement, SHFC will identify beneficiary communities within the service areas of Manila Water and Maynilad, prioritizing those with bulk water applications to enable quicker inclusion in the ELP.

MWSS RO, meanwhile, will coordinate with the two concessionaires to fast-track enrollment, serve as the main liaison for concerns, and provide the necessary forms, guidelines, and technical support for applications.

SHFC said the partnership reflects its commitment to community development by ensuring access to essential utilities that ease household expenses and improve living conditions for low-income families.