Aboitiz Group bullish on water venture

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., the fifth leg and newest business venture of the Aboitiz Group, is bullish on the opportunities in the country’s water industry as it looks to pour in more water-related investments.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Water Business head Roman Azanza III said the company is beefing up its water portfolio in the next few years and would continue to provide innovative infrastructure solutions.

The Aboitiz Group in 2017 consolidated all its water investments under its infrastructure unit to strengthen its presence in the water business.

Aboitiz InfraCapital’s subsidiaries include Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., which is expected to be one of the largest bulk water projects in the country with a sustainable water source.

It is envisioned to provide more than 300 million liters of water per day to over a million Davao residents.

“Our Apo Agua project is unique in the Philippines. It’s basically the conjunction of water and power. It’s called the water-energy nexus. So, we’re actually using the water we tapped from the Tamugan river to power a two-megawatt hydroelectric plant which is sufficient to supply all the power needs of our water treatment plant,” Azanza said.

Also included in the company’s water portfolio is Lima Water Corp., which provides end-to-end bulk water service from production to wastewater treatment. It provides industrial and potable water with 8,700 cubic meters supply capacity to 600 hectares of industrial land.

Aboitiz InfraCapital also has a minority investment with the Balibago Waterworks of Pampanga, which is one of the top five water players in the country.

The company serves 150,000 households in 50 water distribution franchises in the Philippines.

The Aboitiz Group has been looking at infrastructure as the next leg of business to add to its existing portfolio of power, banking, property and food.

Aside from water investments, Aboitiz InfraCapital is also looking to make a big impact when it comes to airport operations and development.

It has submitted separate unsolicited proposals for the upgrade, operations, maintenance, and expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

The company is also a member of a super consortium which was granted the original proponent status by the Manila International Airport Authority last year to rehabilitate, operate, and expand the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.