Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document MPIW assures City Council of fair, transparent rate adjustment By Panay News -Thursday, July 25, 2024 h BY GEROME DALIPE IV ILOILO City – Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and cooperation with the City Council relative to its proposed water rate adjustment. It cited its five-year service improvement plan, project updates, and achievement submitted to the City Council to support its proposal. In ensuring transparency, MPIW emphasized that providing these documents allows the City Council to be completely informed on the areas where the proposed water rate adjustments will be allocated. Angelo David Berba, MPIW’s Chief Operating Officer, welcomed the positive result of the recently concluded council hearing conducted by local legislators at the City Council. “We are grateful to the City Council for giving due course and a favorable response to the documents we submitted. Their understanding of the proposed increase from P20 to P29 per cubic meter is crucial to addressing critical issues and ensuring sustainable water supply management in Iloilo City and our franchised areas,” said Berba. The City Council, convening as a Committee of the Whole, initiated an inquiry “in aid of legislation” on June 10 regarding MPIW’s proposal. This inquiry followed a request from former councilor and lawyer R Leone Gerochi to examine documents related to MPIW’s operations and agreements. MPIW clarified that certain documents requested, such as those related to joint ventures with Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and water supply agreements, fall under the authority of MIWD for release. However, MPIW assured us of its commitment to help facilitate the disclosure process. Under the joint-venture agreement, MIWD acts as the regulatory body overseeing compliance, while MPIW manages operational aspects including distribution system maintenance, expansion, and rehabilitation. MPIW emphasized its cautious approach in releasing documents related to the joint venture annexes, citing the need to protect confidentiality provisions stipulated in contracts. Berba highlighted the company’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive information that could impact competitive advantage, violate contractual obligations, or compromise customer and employee confidentiality. “Alongside compliance with existing data privacy laws, we are committed to meeting legal requirements for transparency in public disclosure,” added Berba. Despite rising operational costs since 2019, including a 33% increase in bulk water prices, a 34% increase in fuel costs, a 74% increase in material costs, a 22% increase in chemical costs, a 25% increase in Labor costs, and continuous increase in permitting cost affecting project implementation MPIW has not adjusted its rates in six years. Comparatively, MPIW’s current rates remain among the lowest in Metro Iloilo. MIWD has officially submitted the tariff rate application to the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the application outlines detailed justifications for the proposed adjustment, emphasizing the need for sustainable financial planning to support the already substantial budget for the ongoing service improvements and operational efficiencies, ensuring improved water services for residents and customers. “We have meticulously studied and consulted on this rate adjustment to balance the need for necessary improvements while avoiding overcharging,” explained Berba during the June 10 committee hearing. MPIW’s proposed rate adjustment initially planned for 2021 but delayed due to the pandemic, represents its first adjustment since taking over operations in 2019. Citation Citation of the article Dalipe, G. (2024, July 25). MPIW assures City Council of fair, transparent rate adjustment. Panay News, 2. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MPIW assures City Council of fair, transparent rate adjustment Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and cooperation with the City Council relative to its proposed water rate adjustment. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dalipe, Gerome IV. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/mpiw-assures-city-council-of-fair-transparent-rate-adjustment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 25, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Water utilities--Rates Metro Pacific Iloilo Water