SHFC community becomes first to join MWSS Enhanced Lifeline Program

The Social Housing Finance Corporation, in partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office and Maynilad Water Services, Inc., marked a milestone on April 29 with the enrollment of the first SHFC-assisted community in the Enhanced Lifeline Program, which provides discounted water rates to qualified low-income households under a government-supported subsidy system.

The SAMAGBANAI Homeowners’ Association in Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches, Quezon City became the first beneficiary community under the program, covering more than 80 households under SHFC’s High Density Housing Program, which supports families relocated from waterways and danger zones in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

The initiative is anchored on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025 between SHFC and MWSS RO, which established the framework for enrolling housing beneficiaries into the Enhanced Lifeline Program for households consuming 20 cubic meters of water or less per month.

Government agencies implement expanded water subsidy access

SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and MWSS RO Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester Ty led the formal enrollment activity in Quezon City through the Enhanced Lifeline Program Edu-Caravan, which brought together government agencies, utility representatives, and local stakeholders.

Laxa emphasized that the partnership is designed to ease monthly financial burdens for low-income families while strengthening coordination between housing and water service institutions.

Ty highlighted that the program ensures structured and regulated access to discounted water rates, improving overall living conditions for qualified households.

Community beneficiaries receive long-term utility support

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. Customer Experience and Retail Operations Head Rodolfo Baylas, Jr. reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the initiative while ensuring continued reliable water service delivery for participating communities.

SAMAGBANAI President Ric Kilaton expressed gratitude for the program, noting that the initiative provides financial relief while reinforcing government support for resettled families facing rising living costs.

The SHFC, MWSS RO, and Maynilad partnership is expected to expand enrollment to additional housing communities nationwide, increasing access to water subsidy programs for more qualified low-income households.