Speaking at the recent Cebu Water Summit held at bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Eduardo “Dudes” V. Aboitiz, AIC VP and head of water, underscored that addressing the island’s water issues requires both immediate and sustained action.
“Solving Cebu’s water challenges cannot be done overnight. This requires a multi-pronged approach involving both medium- and long-term solutions,” Aboitiz said in a press release.
Public-private partnerships seen as key
AIC Water identified public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a vital mechanism for developing large-scale water infrastructure. PPPs enable the government to leverage private sector innovation and financing while ensuring accountability and oversight from public institutions.
“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 stressed.
The company said it is open to exploring partnership opportunities with local governments in Cebu to expand access to safe and reliable water supply.
Apo Agua as a PPP success model
AIC Water cited the success of Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., its joint venture with the Davao City Water District (DCWD), as proof of what PPPs can achieve.
Since beginning commercial operations in February 2024, Apo Agua now supplies 70 percent of DCWD’s water requirements, providing 24/7 availability to 96 percent of Davao City’s customers and improving the overall quality of life.
The company aims to replicate this model in Cebu, combining sustainable water sourcing, advanced treatment technology, and efficient delivery systems to support the province’s growing population and industries.
Expanding water presence in Cebu
Currently, AIC Water provides end-to-end water and wastewater services at MEZ2 Estate in Lapu-Lapu City and West Cebu Estate in Balamban, with a combined capacity of 7.7 million liters per day (MLD).
In June 2025, it launched a 5MLD desalination facility in Lapu-Lapu City that converts brackish water into potable water. The facility supplies water to MEZ2 locators and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second busiest gateway.
Driving Cebu’s sustainable water future
The 2025 Cebu Water Summit, organized by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers – Cebu Chapter and the University of San Carlos Water Resource Center Foundation, sought to strengthen stakeholder cooperation toward sustainable water management under the theme “Taking the Challenge, Firming Actions NOW!”
“Cebu holds a special place for the Aboitiz Group as we trace our roots here. We are keen to pursue potential investments in Cebu and be a progressive partner in enabling water security for Cebuanos,” Aboitiz said.
With a total portfolio of 320 MLD, AIC Water continues to expand its role in empowering communities with sustainable, reliable water solutions, supporting both economic progress and environmental stewardship. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
