The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) will implement the final 10 percent tranche of its approved water rate adjustment beginning April 1, 2026, as authorized by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
For residential connections using a ½-inch meter, the minimum charge for the first 10 cubic meters will be P259.16, an increase of P23.56 from the current monthly minimum rate of P235.60.
Commodity charges are set at P28.64 per cubic meter for 11–20 cubic meters, P33.71 per cubic meter for 21–30 cubic meters, and P82.52 per cubic meter for consumption of 31 cubic meters and above.
The adjustment marks the final phase of the rate increase approved by LWUA in August 2025.
MCWD implemented the initial tranche on October 1, 2025, with the staggered rollout intended to cushion the impact on consumers by spreading the adjustment over a manageable period.
MCWD said the adjustment is necessary to sustain daily operations and fund priority projects aimed at improving water service and efficiency of operation.
These include efforts to reduce non-revenue water (NRW), such as losses from leaks, illegal connections, and aging infrastructure, as well as the rehabilitation of old pipelines and expansion of the distribution network to meet growing demand and support additional water sources.
The water district said it has adopted internal cost-control measures, but operational expenses have steadily increased over the years.
The approved rate adjustment, which underwent regulatory review, is based on long-term operational requirements and was not influenced by recent fluctuations in fuel prices or other short-term economic factors
MCWD said the rate adjustment stemmed from its application filed with LWUA, following public consultations conducted in November 2022 as part of the approval process.
Although the adjustment was initially scheduled earlier, implementation was deferred pending regulatory review.
LWUA later granted approval in August 2025 for a phased implementation.
The April 1 increase forms part of MCWD’s first rate adjustment in 10 years.
The last hike was implemented in 2015, and no increases were made during the pandemic to help ease the burden on consumers.
As a government-owned and -controlled corporation, MCWD operates as a self-sustaining entity and does not receive subsidies from the local and national government.
The water district said all revenues are reinvested into operations and infrastructure to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water.
Despite the adjustment, MCWD emphasized that its rates remain competitive compared to other water districts and private suppliers, with the minimum charge for basic consumption still relatively affordable for Metro Cebu households.
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