Low-income households under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program are set to receive water bill discounts following an agreement between the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO).

The partnership will enroll eligible SHFC communities in the Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP), which provides discounted water rates for qualified low-income consumers.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on 05 December in Makati City by SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and MWSS-RO Chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty.

Under the agreement, SHFC will identify beneficiary communities within the service areas of Manila Water and Maynilad, prioritizing those with bulk water applications. The MWSS-RO will coordinate with the concessionaires to process enrollment and provide the necessary forms and guidelines.

The ELP grants a discount on the Basic Charge of water bills for households that consume 20 cubic meters or less per month. Applicants must present a Certification of Low Income and meet program requirements.

Officials said the partnership aims to help beneficiary families manage monthly expenses by improving access to affordable and reliable water services alongside housing assistance offered under the Expanded 4PH.

Earlier, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development said certificates of entitlement for select beneficiaries under existing presidential proclamations will be distributed this month.