Aboitiz pushes PPPs to address Cebu’s water challenges

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is pushing for more public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop large-scale infrastructure projects such as water supply.

PPPs, which involve collaboration between government and private entities to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure, are seen as key to addressing the water needs of rapidly growing regions like Cebu.

“Solving Cebu’s water challenges cannot be done overnight. This requires a multi-pronged approach involving both medium- and long-term solutions,” said AIC vice president and head of water Eduardo Aboitiz in his speech during the recent Cebu Water Summit held at bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu.

As Cebu’s economy continues to grow, AIC emphasized the importance of enhancing water availability and reliability through sustainable infrastructure solutions.

AIC Water explained that PPPs combine the innovation and investment from the private sector, and accountability and oversight from the government.

The company also expressed its openness to explore potential partnerships with local governments in Cebu to address the water situation.

“We Cebuanos, in the government, academe and private sector, have one clear choice: work together to secure our water future. Because when we do, we have a greater chance of succeeding,” Aboitiz said.

According to AIC Water, an example of its successful PPP is Apo Agua – a partnership between AIC Water and the Davao City Water District (DCWD). Since starting commercial operations in February 2024, Apo Agua now supplies 70 percent of DCWD’s water requirements, resulting in 24/7 water availability for 96 percent of customers, and improving the quality of life for Davaoeños.

AIC Water said it envisions replicating the success of Apo Agua in Cebu in the future.