MANILA, Philippines—Selected government institutions like schools and hospitals in the west water zone will enjoy lower monthly bills under a new “downgraded rate classification” granted by Maynilad Water Services Inc.

In a statement, Maynilad said the new policy effective Nov. 15 would allow certain government institutions a rate reclassification from “commercial” to “semi-business.”

A commercial establishment pays a basic charge of P1,061.56 per 30 cubic meters of water monthly, while a semi-business establishment is charged only P610.65. This translates to savings of about 40 percent.

The rate reclassification policy covers public preparatory, elementary, secondary and tertiary schools operated by local government units (LGUs), as well as LGU-run hospitals and jails (excluding detention centers within police stations and military camps).

“To avail of the classification downgrade, qualified institutions should submit a letter of request for rate reclassification and their latest statement of account (SOA),” Maynilad said.

Maynilad said that in the case of public schools, they will require their certification as duly accredited public schools from the Department of Education (DepEd) or from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) for colleges and universities. Certificates from the Department of Science and Technology (when appropriate) and the office of the city mayor will also be required.

Cuts for small businesses

A public hospital should submit its certification as a duly accredited hospital funded exclusively by the LGU from the Department of Health (DOH) and the office of the city mayor.

Maynilad is also offering a rate cut to small businesses under another policy that gives semi-business customers residential rates for the first 10 cu. m. of water per month.

“The first 10 cubic meters consumption in a given billing period of all semi-business (Residential B) customers shall be billed the residential rate. Consumption in excess of 10 cu.m. shall be charged the usual semi-business (Residential B) rate,” Maynilad said.

Sari-sari stores, etc.

The semi-business rate is P130.38 per 10 cu. m. while the residential rate is only P77.62 or savings of P52.76.

Customers whose accounts fall under the semi-business rate include those engaged in activities such as sari-sari (variety) stores, repair shops and small cottage industries.

Maynilad clarified that semi-business accounts classified under the bulk selling scheme—water sold to subdivisions and high-rise buildings—will not be covered by the policy.

According to Maynilad’s website, the west zone concession area covers the cities of Pasay, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa, Manila except portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana, some parts of Makati and Quezon City, Malabon and Navotas -- all in Metro Manila; and Cavite City and the towns of Rosario, Imus, Noveleta, Bacoor and Kawit in Cavite province.