MANILA – The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) confirmed the implementation of the Foreign Currency Differential Adjustment (FCDA) for the fourth quarter of 2025, effective October 1, resulting in higher rates for Maynilad customers and a tariff rollback for Manila Water customers.

The MWSS Board of Trustees approved the adjustments on September 4 after evaluating the petitions of concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc.

Maynilad, which serves the West Concession Area, will apply an FCDA of -0.36% of its average basic charge of ₱51.40 per cubic meter, equivalent to a ₱0.19 increase per cubic meter from the third quarter’s FCDA of -₱0.33. This translates to an upward adjustment of ₱0.14 per cubic meter.

On the other hand, Manila Water, which serves the East Concession Area, will implement an FCDA of 0.80% of its average basic charge of ₱47.10 per cubic meter, equivalent to a decrease of ₱0.15 per cubic meter from the previous FCDA of ₱0.53.

The FCDA is a quarterly tariff mechanism that allows water concessionaires to recover losses or return gains from foreign exchange fluctuations, as loan repayments for water and wastewater projects are often made in foreign currencies.

MWSS RO Chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty urged low-income, low-consuming households to apply for Maynilad’s and Manila Water’s Enhanced Lifeline Program (ELP), launched in January 2025. The ELP grants qualified households, particularly Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries consuming up to 20 cubic meters monthly, exemption from FCDA charges and access to reduced water rates.

“The MWSS RO remains steadfast in protecting consumer welfare, especially the most vulnerable, and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that water and wastewater services are always available, accessible, affordable, and equitable for all,” Ty said.