ETII PURSUES PROJECTS IN VISAYAS

Ecosystem Technologies International Inc. (ETII), part of the Metro Pacific Water portfolio, is eyeing projects with local governments in the Visayas in preparation for an expansion drive into Southeast Asian and African markets.

ETII is joint-venture between Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC), with a 65 percent stake, and Ecosystem Technology Inc.

It is a pioneer in the Philippines in the recycling and reuse of wastewater, and holds 10 patents for related technologies.

Michael C. Rubio, ETII director for communications, said yesterday in a briefing the 20-year-old firm had completed at least 600 wastewater treatment projects across the country—mostly related to buildings like malls and other property development.

Rubio said ETII clients include high-profile firms such as Maynilad Water Services, Ayala Land, SM Prime Holdings, Shang Properties, Ortigas & Partners, Purefoods Hormel, Magnolia Foods, United Laboratories and Lamoiyan.

“Now we are pursuing projects with local water districts, which is (a bigger business) than what we have so far, mostly limited-area facilities,” he said.

Rubio said ETII was in talks or had submitted bids for projects in various areas, but that the focus at the moment was the Visayas region.

“We have submitted a bid for projects related to rehabilitation efforts in Boracay and also pursuing possible projects in Iloilo and Cebu,” he said.

“Embarking on such projects would help us build a track record that would prepare us to expand to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and also eventually in Africa,” Rubio said. “We want to compete with Chinese firms that are operating there.”

Last April, MPIC expanded its regional footprint with the P1.99billion acquisition of a 49-percent stake in Tuan Loc Water Resources Investment Joint Stock Co. (TLW), one of the largest water companies in Vietnam.