Cebu City eyes water subsidy program

Local

CEBU City is studying a possible water subsidy program for marginalized residents.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) submitted data showing that residential consumers collectively pay more than P21.8 million monthly in minimum water charges alone.

The data, requested through Cebu City Council Resolution No. 17-3119-2026, will serve as a reference for the City Council in evaluating possible subsidy measures aimed at easing the financial burden on residents amid the continuing fuel price crisis.

In separate letters dated April 7 and April 21, MCWD General Manager John DX Lapid furnished the Cebu City Council with information on residential water connections and prevailing minimum charges within Cebu City.

According to the submission, Cebu City currently has 84,124 residential water service connections under the Metropolitan Cebu Water District.

MCWD said the prevailing minimum monthly charge is P259.16, which covers the first 10 cubic meters of water consumption.

Based on the utility’s figures, aggregate monthly minimum charges collected from residential consumers reach P21,801,575.84.

“We fully support the City Government’s initiative to provide relief to our fellow Cebuanos amidst the ongoing fuel price crisis,” Lapid said in his letter addressed to Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Charisse Piramide.

The request for data stemmed from discussions within the Cebu City Council on potential assistance programs for low-income households grappling with rising living costs linked to fuel price increases.

Councilor David Tumulak separately sought additional information from MCWD regarding subscriber numbers, prevailing minimum monthly charges, and aggregate collections as policymakers assess the possible scope and funding requirements of any subsidy program.

While city officials have yet to finalize the mechanics of the proposed assistance, the submitted figures provide an initial estimate of the potential financial exposure should the city decide to subsidize part of the minimum monthly water bills of qualified beneficiaries.

The council has not yet disclosed how many households may qualify under the proposed program, nor whether subsidies would fully or partially cover the minimum monthly charges.

Fuel price increases have continued to ripple through household expenses in Cebu City, affecting transportation, food prices, utilities, and other daily necessities.

The City Council has been exploring measures to cushion the impact on vulnerable sectors, particularly minimum wage earners and low-income families.

MCWD, in its communication to the council, said it remains open to providing additional technical data and clarification should the city government require further information for policy discussions.(TGP)