The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has taken another significant step toward improving the lives of low-income and urban poor families by forging a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO).
 
The partnership aims to enroll SHFC housing beneficiaries to the Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP), a government-supported initiative that provides discounted water rates to eligible low-income consumers.

The MOU was signed on December 5 in Makati by SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and MWSS RO Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester Ty, underscoring both agencies’ dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities within the East Zone (Manila Water) and West Zone (Maynilad) concession areas.

This partnership advances SHFC’s mandate by ensuring that its beneficiaries under the flagship Community Mortgage Program, Enhanced Community Mortgage Program, and other housing initiatives not only gain access to secure shelter but also to essential services necessary for dignified living—starting with affordable, reliable water.

“For us in SHFC, this partnership represents more than just a memorandum of understanding,” Laxa said. “It brings to life our mission—something that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling always emphasize—that our work goes beyond housing. Our commitment is to improve the overall well-being of our beneficiaries.”

For his part, Atty. Ty cited the importance of partnership to the urban poor communities. “Our mandate is clear, to ensure continuous sustainable and accessible supply of potable and most importantly, affordable water and environmentally sound sewerage system,” he said. “Today’s signing of this MOU strengthens this mandate by deepening our engagement with marginalized and low-income households – those whom the SHFC is mandated to assist and whom the ELP is designed to support.”

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.
Under the MOU, 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.

Through this partnership, SHFC reinforces its commitment to transformative community development—extending its support beyond housing to include vital utilities that improve quality of life. By working with MWSS RO, SHFC ensures that more families can benefit from the ELP, easing their expenses and improving their living conditions.