The P5-billion project aims to deliver 86 million liters per day of treated water to multiple off-takers across Iloilo. By unbundling bulk supply from distribution, the initiative is designed to ensure better service delivery, improve water quality, and support socio-economic growth.
Why it matters
“We see the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project as a critical step in building a more resilient and future-ready Iloilo,” said Cosette V. Canilao, president and CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group.
“By working closely with public and private stakeholders, we aim to create a water infrastructure system that not only meets today’s needs, but also supports the city’s growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.”
How it works
Water source & treatment: The project will divert raw water through an intake facility, undergo a treatment process, and supply potable water to multiple buyers.
Inclusive approach: Unlike single-off-taker models, the project will cater to different distributors, broadening access for more households and businesses.
PPP framework: The initiative will undergo a full public-private partnership (PPP) process, including competitive selection, to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with public interest.
What they’re saying
Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, undersecretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development: “We should take advantage of opportunities for convergence, particularly in the private sector, to bridge infrastructure and service delivery gaps in the water sector.”
Former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas: “For a sustainable city, for a livable city, power as well as water, we should always have redundancy.”
Stakeholder support
The project’s design emphasizes redundancy, ensuring Iloilo has backup capacity to guard against shortages and disruptions. This complements existing and planned water infrastructure, rather than competing with it.
The Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project has received endorsements from the Iloilo City Council, the City Local Development Council, and several Metro Iloilo mayors, following consultations with local officials, civil society, and business groups.
The bottom line
By combining private sector expertise with inclusive public oversight, the project aims to provide Iloilo with a long-term water solution that ensures reliability, affordability, and resilience—key to sustaining the city’s growth. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
