‘WE’RE HERE TO STAY’: MPIW pledges to stick with Ilonggos for water reform

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) said it remains committed to Iloilo’s water security and will continue working with local stakeholders until it achieves its long-term goal of delivering clean, reliable, and equitable access to water across the city and nearby towns.

In response to a recent press release,” MPIW acknowledged public frustrations but defended its performance, saying it has backed its commitments with over PHP4.2 billion in real, audited infrastructure investments since its 2019 joint venture with the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

“These initiatives are not instantaneous solutions. We are correcting infrastructure challenges that span generations—something that cannot be reversed overnight,” said MPIW Chief Operating Officer David Berba.

The water utility emphasized that the oft-cited figure of 73 percent of Ilonggo households lacking reliable water access should be “contextualized.” MPIW said the figure includes upland and remote barangays outside of its existing service coverage or in areas awaiting land acquisition, pipeline expansion, or coordination with multiple government agencies.

As of mid-2025, MPIW said it has invested over PHP1.3 billion this year alone for infrastructure upgrades focused on pipeline rehabilitation, leak detection, and service expansion. These efforts are designed to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) and improve water efficiency, according to the company.

Since taking over operations in July 2019, MPIW reported a decrease in NRW from approximately 60 percent to 47 percent and aims to reduce it further to 35 percent by year-end—recovering 15 to 20 million liters per day (MLD) of productive water.

MPIW’s operational upgrades include the rehabilitation and replacement of over 27,000 meters of old, leak-prone pipelines. Another 40,000 meters are under installation. Service connections have also increased by roughly 20 percent, directly benefiting more than 50,000 households.

The company said its projects—valued at over PHP11 billion—include major initiatives like a planned Desalination Facility and the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project, which it will integrate into its distribution system once operational.

Berba reiterated MPIW’s transparency and accountability, noting that its operations are subject to continuous regulatory audits by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“Our compliance has been verified annually, with service coverage steadily increasing in line with our approved Business Plan,” he said.

MPIW also acknowledged the role of local government in accelerating progress, especially the proactive stance of Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Chu.

MPIW said it supports programs such as “Oplan Bulig Tubig sa Syudad” and works closely with City Hall on long-term solutions.

“These efforts demonstrate that our goals are aligned, not antagonistic,” the company said.

Berba added, “MPIW is invested in Iloilo. MPIW is committed to modernizing the water infrastructure of Iloilo.”

Beyond MPIW, the broader Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) group has shown sustained commitment to Iloilo through its other business units.

Global Business Power (GBP), a leading energy firm under MPIC, operates key power generation assets in the region including power plants in Lapaz, Iloilo City while MetPower is introducing innovative energy solutions to support local solid waste management and further buttress water supply.

Metro Pacific’s investments in telecommunications via PDLT and Smart infrastructure are also helping boost connectivity in Iloilo, creating a more digitally enabled and resilient urban landscape.

He also challenged the notion that MPIW has fallen short of its obligations.

“Let us be clear: MPIW has not broken promises. We are fulfilling a long-term vision to ensure clean, reliable, and equitable access to water for Iloilo—a goal that requires continued support, not sensationalism,” Berba said.

MPIW urged media and stakeholders to engage with the facts and inspect ongoing projects.

“We know the problem, we know the solution and we will deliver,” Berba said. “MPIW will continue to show up—with results. Together, we move forward.”