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February 25, 2025 | 12:00am
Metro Pacific Water (MPW) breaks ground for its PHP5.5 billion state-of-the-art desalination facility eyed to address water scarcity in Iloilo on February 21, 2025.
PNA photo by Perla Lena
MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Water (MPW) has started the construction of its P5.5-billion desalination facility in Metro Iloilo, the largest of its kind nationwide.
MPW said the construction of the facility is a step toward securing a sustainable water supply for Iloilo City and its surrounding areas.
MPW held a groundbreaking ceremony last Feb. 21 in Barangay Ingore, La Paz, Iloilo City.
“The project is set to transform the region’s water infrastructure and address the growing demand for clean drinking water,” the company said.
The desalination plant will have a capacity to produce 66,500 cubic meters of potable water daily that would benefit 400,000 residents and businesses in Iloilo City and beyond, the company added.
The facility would have cutting-edge reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into potable water while ensuring an uninterrupted supply even in times of drought or low rainfall, according to MPW. The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
“MPW’s commitment to providing sustainable water solutions is at the heart of this project,” MPW president Christopher Andrew Pangilinan said.
“It underscores our dedication to supporting Iloilo’s rapid growth and development. This innovative and sustainable desalination facility will provide a long-term solution to the water challenges of Iloilo,” Pangilinan added.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the desalination facility would be a “game changer” for both the residents and the economy of Iloilo.
“It will provide a consistent and safe source of water, which is vital for both daily living and for the city’s future development. We are confident that this initiative will contribute to Iloilo’s continued growth and infrastructure modernization,” Treñas said.
MPW said the desalination facility is part of its broader efforts to enhance the water supply across Metro Iloilo because of the growing demand in the area.
“The facility will serve as a critical resource for the growing population of Iloilo and is expected to play a key role in the region’s economic development, reducing dependency on unreliable freshwater sources like rivers and groundwater,” MPW said.
The project is a joint effort between MPW and a consortium of French-based utility firm Suez and construction firm JEMCO.
