In a strategic initiative to bolster Iloilo’s long-term water security, Metro Iloilo Bulk Water (MIB) brought officials of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) to visit Maynilad Water Services, Inc., its sister company under the Metro Pacific Water group. The visit aimed to showcase world-class water treatment technologies and operational models that could be replicated—or even enhanced—in Iloilo to ensure a sustainable and resilient water future.
The Iloilo delegation toured Maynilad’s ₱11-billion Poblacion Water Treatment Plant in Muntinlupa City, capable of processing 150 million liters per day (MLD) of potable water from Laguna Lake, and the ₱5-billion Parañaque NEW WATER Treatment Plant, which converts 12 MLD of treated wastewater into potable water—the first facility of its kind in the Philippines.
Both facilities were completed in less than two years, fully automated through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and equipped with advanced treatment technologies such as dissolved air flotation, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and biological aerated filtration.
“Metro Pacific, through MIB, has the technology, expertise, and financial strength to deliver even more advanced water solutions for Iloilo,” said MIB Interim COO Angelo David Berba. “What we showcased is not just a model—it’s a benchmark we can match or exceed. With our current technologies and innovations in the pipeline, we are committed to providing reliable, safe, and sustainable water at fair, competitive rates for every Ilonggo household and business.”
As Iloilo’s population and economy continue to expand, demand for sustainable and redundant water sources has become increasingly urgent. MIB is now laying the groundwork for long-term water security by leveraging Maynilad’s proven technologies and advocating strategic water source allocation, including supply from the Jalaur Mega Dam.
Berba noted that the site visit forms part of MIB and MIWD’s joint roadmap to address rising water demand and mitigate the impacts of climate change and El Niño, which have affected raw water quality across the country.
A key component of this roadmap is the proposed government-to-government arrangement for water allocation from the Jalaur Mega Dam, envisioned to provide critical supply redundancy for Iloilo. This redundancy is essential for Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), the city’s distribution company responsible for delivering uninterrupted, climate-resilient water service to households, businesses, and industries.
Maynilad currently serves millions of customers across Metro Manila and Cavite and is implementing a ₱220-billion service enhancement program (2023–2027) that includes developing alternative water sources and new treatment facilities.
“The visit allowed the MIWD team to benchmark timelines and capital expenditure requirements that will help us meet our performance targets,” said MIWD General Manager Alfredo Tayo III. “It also exposed us to new technologies and best practices in sustainable water management. This tour reaffirmed that MIB is ready to bring world-class water solutions to Iloilo.”
MIB and MIWD are now finalizing plans for large-scale water source development, treatment plant expansion, and advanced technology deployment, with the shared goal of achieving 24/7 water availability and equitable tariffs for Iloilo.
“The technology is proven—we are ready to invest and deliver,” Berba emphasized. “But timely action is crucial. Every delay threatens Iloilo’s water future.”
Metro Iloilo Bulk Water, a joint venture between Metro Pacific Water and the Metro Iloilo Water District, is responsible for water production and sourcing. It currently supplies 50 MLD to Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, the primary water distribution company serving Iloilo City and surrounding areas.