VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — Pipelaying activity in Brgy. Mansaya, Lapuz, which aims to strengthen service reliability in La Paz–Lapuz District and prepares the network for the upcoming 66.5 MLD Desalination Plant in Brgy. Ingore.

Metro Pacific Water (MPW) has earmarked P3.81 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) for 2026 to fund major water infrastructure projects and system upgrades in Dumaguete City and Iloilo City, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply amid the looming effects of the upcoming El Niño season.

“We recognize that demand continues to grow at a time when traditional water sources are becoming increasingly strained due to extreme climate conditions. These investments are being made today so our customers will not have to bear the burden of shortages tomorrow,” MPW President and CEO Andrew Pangilinan said.

The CAPEX covers a wide range of initiatives, including the laying of new pipelines, the replacement of aging and undersized pipes, and ​​building 86,073 new water service connections, providing more households with accessible water. The company is also implementing non-revenue water (NRW) reduction projects aimed at minimizing leaks, illegal connections, and system losses. These efforts are expected to improve water pressure, enhance service reliability, and increase operational efficiency across the company’s service areas.

To diversify water sources and strengthen supply resilience during periods of extreme heat and reduced rainfall, MPW is also accelerating the rollout of alternative water source projects. These include ongoing construction of desalination facilities that convert saltwater into potable water of up to 65 million liters per day and modular water treatment plants capable of producing 5 million liters per day of clean water from sources within or nearby the cities.

“Through these strategic investments in infrastructure modernization and supply augmentation, we are strengthening the reliability of our systems and safeguarding access to clean and adequate water for our customers even as the El Niño season approaches,” Mr. Pangilinan added.

Metro Pacific Water currently provides access to water services for approximately 860,000 residents across Iloilo City, Dumaguete City, and seven municipalities in its franchise areas.