The Department of Finance (DOF) said the EUR212.7-million (about P14.98 billion) financing agreement with the World Bank-International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (WB-IBRD) will support the construction of water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the three island areas.
The funding will support the Accelerated Water and Sanitation Project in Selected Areas (AWSPSA), which will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Water infrastructure
The project includes the construction of a bulk water supply system, a septage treatment plant and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
These investments aim to improve water security, address sanitation challenges and strengthen the efficiency of water services in poor and underserved communities.
The project forms the first phase of the World Bank's Water Security and Resilience in East Asia and Pacific Program, which supports long-term investments in water infrastructure and climate resilience.
Climate resilience
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the financing would help the government address growing water security challenges.
“The financing comes at an opportune time and provides a significant boost to strengthen our efforts to improve water security and cleanliness. We thank the World Bank-IBRD for its continued partnership with the Philippines as we pursue reforms to deliver more reliable services to our people,” Go said.
The investment supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which prioritizes reliable water services and expanded sanitation infrastructure.
It will also support government measures to mitigate the potential effects of the anticipated super El Niño, which could worsen water shortages in vulnerable communities. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
