Manila Water signs joint venture for Iloilo water supply project

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

Under the city ordinance granting the franchise for the JVA, the designated consortium of Tubig Pilipinas and Manila Water will be responsible for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repairs, improvements and finance of a reliable and adequate water supply system in Metro Iloilo.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that Western Visayas enjoyed 8.4% 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 that a credible water system must be maintained in order to respond to the growing demands of Iloilo City.

Under the ordinance, the franchise is given a 25-year period with the intention to expand its services to the 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, 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,” said Tubig Pilipinas president and CEO, Ryan Yapkianwee.