Manila Water, Tubig Pilipinas secure 25-year Iloilo franchise

MANILA, Philippines — Subsidiaries of Manila Water Co. Inc. and Pure Energy Holdings Corp. have secured the franchise to upgrade Metro Iloilo’s water supply system.

The consortium of Manila Water Philippines Ventures Inc. (MWVI) and Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc. (TPGI) recently inked a joint venture agreement (JVA) for the development, improvement, and maintenance of Iloilo City’s water supply system.

“Tubig Pilipinas, together with Manila Water, is looking forward to service the people of Metro Iloilo by offering a safe and stable water supply system that can respond to their daily needs,” Tubig Pilipinas president and chief executive officer Ryan Yapkianwee said.

Under the city ordinance granting the franchise for the JVA, the consortium will be responsible for the construction and  operation of  a reliable and adequate water supply system in Metro Iloilo.

The 25-year franchise covers surrounding municipalities of Mandurriao, Arevalo, Molo, La Paz, Lapuz and Jaro.

This is also where the mega townships of Ayala Land and Megaworld are located, as well as the SM Supermall, which is touted to be the second biggest shopping mall in the Visayas.

Tubig Pilipinas said it is prepared to respond to the expected surge of demand by businesses for a more potable water supply in Iloilo City.

“As more retail businesses and townships continue to invest in the city, our consortium will focus on improving existing water supply facilities and provide better water services to households and businesses for a steady water supply,” Yapkianwee said.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that Western Visayas enjoyed 8.4 percent GDP growth in 2017, making it the fourth fastest growing regional economy in the country.

Iloilo City is considered as the economic and investments center of the region.

The local government said a credible water system must be maintained in order to respond to the growing demands of Iloilo City.

Last January, TPGI bagged the P600-million Nabua Water District (NAWAD) water supply deal in Camarines Sur, growing its footprint beyond the Visayas region.

Under the deal, TPGI will be in charge of the water supply and septage systems of NAWAD for 30 years until the year 2049, and is renewable for another 20  years.