Metro Iloilo Bulk Water brings Metro Iloilo Water District to Maynilad, Showcases Proven Water Security Model

In a strategic move to strengthen Iloilo’s long-term water security, Metro Iloilo Bulk Water (MIB) brought key officials of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) to visit sister company Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), showcasing world-class water treatment facilities that can be replicated—and even surpassed—in Iloilo to secure its long-term water future.

The tour featured Maynilad’s newly inaugurated P11-billion Poblacion Water Treatment Plant in Muntinlupa City, which can process 150 million liters per day (MLD) of potable water sourced from Laguna Lake and its P5-billion Parañaque NEW WATER Treatment Plant—the first multi-awarded facility of its kind in the Philippines that purifies 12 million liters per day (MLD) of treated wastewater into potable water. Both plants, built in under two years, are fully automated through SCADA and showcase advanced processes—dissolved air flotation, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and biological aerated filters

“Metro Pacific, through MIB, has the technology, expertise, and financial strength to deliver even more advanced water solutions for Iloilo,” said MIB Interim Chief Operating Officer Angelo David Berba. “What we showcased is not just a model—it’s a benchmark we can match or exceed. With these current state-of-the-art technologies and the innovations in the pipeline, we will deliver reliable, safe, and sustainable water at fair, competitive rates for every household and business in the province.”

As Iloilo’s population and economy grow, so does the urgent need for redundant and sustainable water sources. MIB is now laying the foundation for long-term water security and uninterrupted service by leveraging Maynilad’s proven technology and advocating for strategic water source allocation, such as the Jalaur Mega Dam.

Berba mentioned that the visit aligns with MIB and MIWD’s roadmap to address growing water demand and mitigate the effects of climate change and El Niño, which have intensified raw water quality challenges across the country.

A critical element of this roadmap is the allocation from the Jalaur Mega Dam through a government-to-government arrangement, envisioned to provide much-needed supply redundancy for Iloilo. This redundancy is essential for Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), the distribution company responsible for delivering uninterrupted, reliable, and climate-resilient water to households, businesses, and industries across the city.

Maynilad’s infrastructure currently supplies millions of customers across Metro Manila and Cavite, with plans to expand alternative water sources and advanced treatment plants as part of its ₱220-billion service enhancement program (2023–2027).

“It was very insightful as it allowed the MIWD Team to benchmark the timelines and the estimated Capital Expenditure that will enable us to hit KPIs (NRW, Water Availability, PSI, desired ASCs, etc.). It also exposed us to new technologies and sustainable and best water management practices. This tour proved that MIB is ready to bring world-class water solutions to Iloilo,” stated MIWD General Manager Alfredo Tayo III

MIB and MIWD are now mapping out similar projects, combining large-scale water source development, treatment plant expansion, and advanced technology deployment, to ensure Iloilo achieves 24/7 water availability and fair, competitive tariffs in the years ahead.

“The technology is proven. We are ready to invest and deliver, but timely action is crucial,” Berba emphasized. “What we need now is for all related stakeholders to move swiftly in addressing water supply scarcity. Every delay threatens Iloilo’s water future,” Berba stressed

Metro Iloilo Bulk Water is a joint venture company born out of Metro Pacific Water and Metro Iloilo Water District. The JV company is responsible for the production and water supply sourcing. MIB currently supplies 50 million liters per day (MLD) to Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, the primary water distribution company in Iloilo. (Advertorial)