Firm sees Iloilo bulk water project as future-ready solution

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) said its proposed PHP 5-billion Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project will serve as a future-ready solution to Iloilo City’s water challenges by ensuring redundancy, reliability, and sustainability in water delivery.

“We see the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project as a critical step in building a more resilient and future-ready Iloilo,” said Cosette V. Canilao, AIC President and CEO in a press release.

“By working closely with public and private stakeholders, we aim to create a water infrastructure system that not only meets today’s needs, but also supports the city’s growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.”

The project is designed to provide 86 million liters of potable bulk water per day. Water will be diverted from a raw source through an intake facility, treated, and then delivered to multiple off-takers, a unique approach meant to widen access and serve more Ilonggos.

As a public-private partnership, the project will undergo a stringent PPP framework and competitive selection process to ensure transparency and protect public interest.

Once operational, the project is expected to stabilize water rates and strengthen Iloilo’s infrastructure resilience, directly supporting residential growth, business development, and long-term economic expansion.

AIC said it is working with stakeholders to manage production costs and keep consumer rates fair while ensuring a steady supply of high-quality water.

The Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project is modeled after AIC’s experience with Apo Agua Infrastructura in Davao City—the country’s largest bulk water facility—which the company cites as a benchmark for PPP-driven water solutions.

The Iloilo project introduces a multi-operator approach that enables existing and future water providers to coexist, improving coverage, operational efficiency, and overall service delivery.

The infrastructure will include an intake facility, a treatment plant, and delivery systems that channel treated water to various off-takers across Iloilo City.

This structure is expected to support population growth, attract business investments, and fortify the city’s water resilience against supply interruptions or system failures.

“The Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project is designed with the consumer at its core,” said Canilao.

“By complementing existing and future players and infrastructure, it ensures that every Ilonggo has access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water,” she said.

“Through coexistence and collaboration, we are creating a system that not only secures today’s needs but also guarantees future generations a resilient and affordable water supply,” she added.

By unbundling bulk water supply from distribution, AIC said the project enables specialized providers to focus on core operations, resulting in improved efficiency and accountability.

AIC emphasized that the inclusion of multiple water off-takers fosters a dynamic ecosystem that encourages innovation, competition, and better service outcomes for consumers.

Aboitiz InfraCapital is the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, now in its 10th year, with active developments in water, transport, mobility, economic estates, and digital infrastructure.

Its portfolio includes the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project; LIMA Water Corporation and LIMA Estate in Batangas; Unity Digital Infrastructure, Inc.; and operations at three of the country’s top 10 busiest airports.

As AIC moves forward with the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project, it said it will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure fair pricing and long-term benefits for Iloilo City.