MRII sets 3-year capex at P300M

The Mactan Rock Industries Inc., (MRII) is setting aside P300 million for capital expenditure (capex) in the next three years, setting up mostly surface water utilization technology in different parts of the country.

MRII chairman Antonio P. Tompar made this announcement on the sidelines of the company's 35th year anniversary celebration recently.

The estimated P300 million investment will be used to fund at least 20 bulk water supply plants that will be built by the company in the next three years.

Aside from the water supply problem felt by the urban areas around the country due to the rise of population, most islands and remote provinces are also experiencing water scarcity despite the presence of rivers.

The company is not only pushing the desalination process to supply potable water to communities, but also advocating utilization of surface water in the river banks, and even rain water for potable uses.

“Surface water is becoming more popular and the company is now installing (water) clarifiers technology in big islands," announced Tompar.

Tompar said water supply shouldn’t be a concern if water districts and the local government units (LGUs) are quick to recognize alternative technologies in sourcing water from non-traditional processes.

Surface water utilization is the easiest option in order to avoid water supply shortage. What is important to note, he added is the cost is cheaper whether it is a mixture of seawater desalination and surface water.

He said that water from treated surface water for instance could be even five times cheaper than seawater desalination and even cheaper than well water.

The Cebu-based company has already installed its water clarifier technology in places like Bacolod, Iloilo, Aparri, Midsayap, Cotabato, and Prosperidad, and othet provinces across the Philippines.

MRII supplies bulk water to water districts.

The company also manufactures its own water treatment and wastewater treatment equipment and chemicals.