Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. is championing a significant financial relief measure for residents grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, internationally named Kalmaegi. The proposal aims to waive water and electricity bills for the months of November and December 2025.
Addressing a State of Calamity
The initiative comes after the Cebu City Government officially declared a state of calamity due to the extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Widespread power outages, destroyed homes, and lost livelihoods have left many communities in distress. Barangays such as Lusaran and Bacayan are among the hardest-hit areas, where residents now face mounting repair costs and the challenge of displacement.
The Proposed Relief Scheme
Councilor Alcover has formally filed a resolution urging Mayor Nestor Archival to enter into negotiations with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the Visayan Electric Company. The proposed scheme is two-fold. First, it seeks a complete waiver of electricity and water charges for the final two months of 2025. For any amounts that cannot be waived, the resolution proposes that these be deferred and then paid in six manageable installments from January to June 2026.
Explaining the urgency of the measure, Alcover stated, "Immediate relief in the form of bill payment waivers or deferments will greatly ease their financial burden." He emphasized that this action would provide crucial breathing room for families focused on rebuilding their lives.
Responses and Next Steps
In related developments, MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias has already provided some assurance to the public. She confirmed that the costs associated with repairing the storm-damaged water system will not be passed on to consumers. Consumers will be billed solely for their actual water consumption during this period.
The immediate next step involves forwarding official copies of the resolution to both MCWD and Visayan Electric for their consideration and action. The city awaits the utility companies' responses to this critical proposal for community support.
