The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) conducted a Public Information Drive on 18 August, 2015 at the second floor of Tonyo’s Grill, 501 Earnshaw St., Sampaloc, Manila. It was the first of a series of public dialogues scheduled this year.

Topics discussed in the event were the three Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) of the seven IRRs approved by the MWSS Board of Trustees. These were IRR No. 2013-01: “Revised IRR on the Disconnection and Reconnection of Water Service Connection”; IRR No. 2013-02: “IRR on Rate Classification and Billing Scheme of Small-Scale (Home-Based) Businesses”; and IRR No. No. 2013-06: “IRR on Additional Meter and Transfer of Connection Tapping Point”.

Spearheaded by MWSS-RO’s Public Information Department and the Customer Service Regulation Area, more than seventy five participants attended the activity. At least 13 punong barangay or barangay heads were present in the event. Other attendees included the head of the Manila Barangay Bureau, barangay secretaries, kagawad or councilors, home-based entrepreneurs, residential owners, and tenants. Officials from MWSS-RO and its Concessionaire, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) were also present.

In his Opening Remarks, MWSS-RO Chief Regulator Joel C. Yu told the participants that the public information drive is a venue not only for disseminating information but also for MWSS-RO and Maynilad to listen to issues and concerns regarding water services. He assured everyone that the government agency and the respective concessionaire are ready to assist and find solutions to water-related problems. In addition, he also encouraged the participants to share success stories about water services where everyone can learn and get lessons from.

MWSS-RO Department Manager Rosendo Allegre presented and explained in detail the two IRRs on Disconnection and Reconnection of Water Service Connection as well as the Additional Meter and Transfer of Connection Tapping Point while MWSS-RO Supervising Water Utility Regulation Officer Charlie Espallardo presented the Rate Classification and Billing Scheme of Small-Scale (Home-Based) Businesses. The Business Area presentation was given by Rolixto Jodieres, Jr., head of Maynilad’s Sampaloc Business Area.

Every presentation was followed by an open forum where MWSS-RO and Maynilad officials made sure that every query was clarified and resolved. Concerns about water services beyond the topics discussed were facilitated by the MWSS-RO Help Desk. These concerns will be forwarded to Maynilad for immediate action.