SHFC partners with MWSS to provide discounted water for low-income families
The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has strengthened its support for low-income families by partnering with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO).
The collaboration focuses on enrolling SHFC housing beneficiaries in the Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP), a government initiative that provides discounted water rates for eligible households.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on December 5 in Makati by SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and MWSS RO Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester Ty. The agreement highlights both agencies’ commitment to improving living conditions in the East Zone (Manila Water) and West Zone (Maynilad) service areas.
SHFC expands support beyond housing
This partnership ensures that beneficiaries under SHFC’s flagship programs, including the Community Mortgage Program and Enhanced Community Mortgage Program, gain access not only to secure housing but also to essential utilities. Affordable water is a key factor in improving the overall quality of life for these communities.
“For us in SHFC, this partnership represents more than just a memorandum of understanding,” Laxa said. “It brings our mission to life, as emphasized by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, to enhance the well-being of our beneficiaries beyond housing.”
Atty. Ty added that collaboration is critical to serving urban poor communities. “Our mandate is clear: to ensure a continuous, sustainable, and accessible supply of potable water and environmentally sound sewerage. Today’s MOU strengthens this mandate by engaging marginalized and low-income households who benefit from the ELP.”
How beneficiaries will access the ELP
The ELP provides a discount on the Basic Charge of water bills for qualifying households consuming 20 cubic meters or less per month. To enroll, beneficiaries must present a Certification of Low Income and meet all program requirements.
Under the MOU, SHFC will identify communities within the service areas of Manila Water and Maynilad, prioritizing those with bulk water applications for faster inclusion in the ELP. MWSS RO will coordinate with the concessionaires to fast-track enrollment, serve as the liaison between SHFC and the water providers, and provide all forms and support needed for application processing.
Through this partnership, SHFC reinforces its commitment to transformative community development, extending its support beyond housing to vital utilities. By working with MWSS RO, more families can benefit from affordable water, easing household expenses and improving living conditions.
