Manila Water improves water access through public-private partnerships

Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) is focusing on improving water and sanitation services in various provinces outside of Metro Manila through public-private partnerships (PPP). At the WaterPhilippines Conference, Chief Operating Officer Melvin John Tan discussed how these partnerships are crucial for enhancing access to clean water. One notable example is MWPV’s work in Laguna, where they started a partnership with the Provincial Government in 2009. This led to the creation of Laguna Water, which expanded the population's access to piped water from 14% to 60%. They have also improved water pressure and reduced non-revenue water significantly. In April 2024, MWPV furthered its efforts in Laguna by acquiring Laguna Aquatech Resources Corporation. This partnership helped increase water service coverage and availability. In the Clark Freeport Zone, MWPV’s Clark Water unit has achieved a low non-revenue water level of 6% and increased water supply to meet demand. In Boracay, Boracay Water has been providing reliable water service to tourists and locals in partnership with TIEZA. MWPV is also collaborating with local water districts to improve infrastructure, such as in Pangasinan and Calbayog City, where reliable water services have been established. MWPV is also expanding its projects across the Philippines with new bulk water supply initiatives. They are nearing completion on a treatment plant in Ilagan City and are working on the Tagum Bulk Water Supply Project in Mindanao, which aims to provide treated water long-term. Tan emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in providing a sustainable water supply. MWPV operates thirteen units across the country, focused on improving access to clean water and supporting health and economic development.