DHSUD: Gov't mass housing beneficiaries in NCR, nearby areas to have discounted water rates
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling
Informal settler families and low-income earners under the government’s mass housing program will have discounted water rates from two large water concessionaires in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said on Sunday, Dec. 7.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the discounted water rates is part of the Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP), a government-supported initiative that provides discounted water rates to eligible low-income consumers.
The ELP offers a discount on the Basic Charge of water bills for qualifying low-income households consuming 20 cubic meters or less per month. To enroll, beneficiaries must present a Certification of Low Income and meet all program requirements.
He said this was strengthened by the signing of an agreement between Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), an attached agency of the DHSUD, and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) on Dec. 5.
“The partnership also advances SHFC’s mandate by ensuring that its beneficiaries under the pro-poor and people- centric Enhanced Community Mortgage Program, and other housing initiatives under the Expanded 4PH are not only given access to decent shelters but equally important to essential services necessary for dignified living—starting with affordable, reliable water,” said Aliling.
Under the agreement, the SHFC will take the lead in identifying its communities located within the service areas of Manila Water and Maynilad, prioritizing those with bulk water applications for faster inclusion in the ELP.
For its part, the MWSS RO will coordinate with Manila Water and Maynilad to fast-track the enrollment of SHFC-certified beneficiaries.
It will serve as the main liaison between SHFC and the concessionaires, addressing any issues and providing all necessary forms, guidelines, and support for ELP applications.
Earlier, the DHSUD announced the planned distribution this month of certificates of entitlement as an early Christmas gift for beneficiaries under Presidential Proclamations--ending their decades-long wait to secure Certificate of Entitlements.