DRIVEN AND FOCUSED MPIW to Mayor Raisa: Our Commitments Are Clear, Our Actions Are Ongoing

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) respects the statement of Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu and former mayor Jerry P. Treñas regarding ongoing water supply concerns.

In a statement, MPIW said it fully supports the Mayor Chu’s call to ensure that every Ilonggo has dependable, safe, and sufficient access to clean water – a basic human right essential to health, livelihood, and quality of life.

“We respectfully clarify that MPIW has already submitted formal updates to the City Government, detailing specific production targets in million liters per day (MLD), concrete plans to reduce non-revenue water (NRW), and timelines for ongoing and future projects. Weekly updates have been consistently provided to the Office of the Mayor to ensure transparency and accountability.”

MPIW said these commitments were first presented at the “In Sync: Government and Business Alignment Meeting” on June 18, 2025, alongside other key industry players in Iloilo City.

The same commitments were also presented during the water dialogue organized by the Iloilo Business Club on June 19.

Also, both Mayor Jerry Treñas and Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu were also present during the groundbreaking of the PHP5.5-billion desalination plant of Metro Pacific Water in February 2025.

Subsequent coordination meetings with Mayor Jerry Treñas and Mayor Chu followed, culminating in a response letter submitted on Aug. 15, 2025, outlining our water infrastructure development and supply roadmap for the coming years.

Similar commitments were likewise presented to Iloilo City Business Leaders and other industry stakeholders during the Water Dialogue event organized by the Iloilo Business Club, presentation to the Iloilo City Public Utility and Energy Committee attended by member councilors and Vice-Mayor Love-Love Baronda

Since the joint venture began, MPIW has increased Iloilo City’s water production from 50 MLD pre-privatization to more than 80 MLD through infrastructure upgrades and system rehabilitation.

However, water demand continues to rise, while aging pipelines contribute to significant system losses—challenges we are addressing through a structured, long-term NRW reduction program.

MPIW has provided the City Government with exact, weekly updated figures on current and projected MLD supply.

“In partnership with the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD), we are on track to increase water supply by 188% over the next five years and expand service coverage from 27% to nearly 100% by 2029,” the firm said.

To meet growing demand in Iloilo City and seven neighboring towns, MPIW plans to raise water production from 80 MLD to 230 MLD.

Key components include a PHP5.5 billion desalination plant delivering 60.5 MLD, a PHP400 million modular plant supplying an additional 5 MLD, and collaborations with third-party bulk suppliers such as the Jalaur Mega Dam allocation.

A clear NRW reduction program is underway, with targets set to progressively reduce losses over three years through district metering, pipeline replacement, and meter calibration.

MPIW has committed more than PHP11 billion to water supply projects focused on service improvement and loss recovery.

Other major initiatives—including the desalination plant—are in progress to secure a sustainable, climate-resilient water source for Iloilo City.

Weekly reports to the City Government will continue, along with quarterly progress briefings and a Community Information Drive to keep the public informed of milestones and challenges.

MPIW understands the frustration of residents facing limited water access and accepts that more must be done.

“We are committed to sustainable solutions and a strong partnership with the City Government to meet the needs of Iloilo City. Water is life, and Iloilo City deserves nothing less than safe and reliable access to this vital resource,” said MPIW Chief Operating Officer Angelo David Berba.

“MPIW stands ready to work hand-in-hand with Mayor Treñas-Chu, former mayor Jerry Treñas, the City Government, and our communities to make this possible.” (Advertorial)