MPIW defends tariff adjustment, says increase to sustain operations

METRO PACIFIC Iloilo Water (MPIW) said the recent tariff increase approved by regulators is necessary to sustain its water distribution operations in Iloilo City amid rising costs.

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“This tariff adjustment does not fund infrastructure projects or capital expenditures,” MPIW Commercial Department Head Kathleen Sadio said in a media release on Wednesday.

“It ensures we can continue operating efficiently, meeting regulatory standards, and delivering consistent service even as inflation, energy costs, bulk water supply costs, and operational demands increase,” she added.

The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), which oversees more than 500 water districts nationwide, approved the tariff adjustment that raised MPIW’s basic charge to P28.67 per cubic meter (cu.m.) from P20 per cu.m.

MPIW said the increase is “vital to support operational expenses such as power, chemicals, labor, and fuel,” emphasizing that it will not be used for capital expenditures.