The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Sunday said low-income beneficiaries of the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program will receive discounts on their water bills.

The discounts arise from the partnership forged between the Social Housing Finance Corporation and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office.

The agreement enrolls Social Housing Finance Corporation beneficiaries in the Enhanced Lifeline Program, which provides reduced water rates to qualified low-income households.

“This is proof of the administration’s continued efforts toward a more dignified life for those most in need,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said.

He added: “The President’s directive is clear — under the Expanded 4PH, we are not just providing housing, but convenience for beneficiaries and stable communities.”

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 5 December in Makati by SHFC president and CEO Federico Laxa and MWSS RO chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty.

The agreement covers communities within the service areas of Manila Water and Maynilad and is intended to include beneficiaries of the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program and other housing initiatives under the Expanded 4PH in programs that provide access to affordable basic services.

The Enhanced Lifeline Program offers a discount on the basic charge of water bills for qualified low-income households consuming 20 cubic meters or less per month. To enroll, beneficiaries must present proof of low income and comply with program requirements.

Under the agreement, the SHFC will identify beneficiary communities within the Manila Water and Maynilad service areas and prioritize those with bulk water applications for faster processing.

The MWSS RO will coordinate with the two concessionaires to speed up the enrollment of qualified SHFC beneficiaries and act as the main liaison in addressing concerns and ensuring the availability of forms and guidelines for program applications.

The DHSUD earlier announced the planned distribution of certificates of entitlement this month to beneficiaries under presidential proclamations, ending their prolonged wait to secure ownership documents.