Government institutions in Maynilad's West Zone to get reduced tariff rates

SELECTED government institutions in the West Concession of Maynilad Water will soon benefit from a reduction in their monthly water bill, as a result of a new policy that grants these establishments a downgraded rate classification.

This rate re-classification policy covers public preparatory, elementary, secondary and tertiary schools managed and operated by local government units (LGUs), public hospitals managed and operated by LGUs, and jails (excluding detention centers within police stations and military camps).

Initiated by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) for implementation of Maynilad, the policy allows for the rate reclassification of these government institutions from Commercial to Semi-Business.

To avail of the classification downgrade, qualified institutions should submit a letter of request for rate reclassification and their latest Statement of Account (SOA).

Also required, in the case of public schools, is a certification as a duly accredited public school from the Department of Education (DepEd) for primary and secondary education or from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for tertiary education; and certifications from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Office of the City Mayor.

Public hospitals have to submit a certification as a duly accredited public hospital funded exclusively by the LGU from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of the City Mayor.

Only institutions that have no unpaid accounts will be granted the reclassification. The Water Service Connection (WSC) must also be registered under the name of the institution and used exclusively for its purpose.

However, any school, hospital or jail sharing water from another existing WSC shall be required to apply for a new and separate WSC at their own expense. A separate WCS shall likewise be required for all entities or individuals engaging in business inside the concerned government institution, with the cost for connection charged to the said entity/individual.

This new policy is in line with Maynilad Water's goal of supporting institutions that provide vital services to the public.