In 1997, the Philippine Government privatized the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a public utility engaged in the provision of water supply, sewerage and sanitation services for Metro Manila’s nearly 10 million population.

With the takeover of private companies, the MWSS privatization was expected to result in the expansion of service coverage, improvement in the quality of service delivery and increase in operating efficiency particularly the reduction of Non-Revenue Water (NRW).

To ensure the sustainability of its concession, Manila Water has focused on extending water supply services to low-income and informal communities in its service area through its flagship program, ‘Tubig para sa Barangay’ (TPSB) or “Water for the Poor” project. People living in low-income communities usually get their water from unreliable sources and pay a steep price, in some cases more than Php 200 ($3-5) per cubic meter from water vendors. The program has enabled the socially-disadvantaged sectors of the society to obtain piped water connections at affordable rates, reducing the cost per cubic meter of water by as much as 97%. Since 1997, over 530 projects under the said program have been completed in key cities and municipalities under the company’s service area benefiting about 140,000 households or 850,000 people. Through TPSB, the company has minimized illegal connections, leaks, and controlled the incidence of water-borne disease outbreaks due to water contamination. More importantly, the program has improved the quality of life of the poor, enhanced community involvement and forged excellent partnerships with CBOs.