East Zone water concessionaire Manila Water Co. has hit its sustainability success for the second half of the year.

The goals they have achieved so far are those within the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets, like Water Security, Carbon Reduction and Avoidance, and Capital Expenditures.

Manila Water plans to further expand its sustainability efforts, focusing on resource efficiency, watershed protection, water quality, and occupational health and safety.

Their water security and climate change efforts were recently projected through the Pasibol: Puno ng Pag-asa program. This project aims to plant and nurture 580,000 trees and reforest 1,000 hectares of land until the year 2025.

In addition to the ESG and sustainability goals, the company has also opted to take its transportation modes into an eco-friendly transition. 

They have integrated four electric vehicles (EVs) and comprehensively trained their employees to drive their vehicles fuel-efficiently.

Manila Water is the first company to produce a Sustainability Report since 2005. It has since then aligned its targets to operate and deliver facilities and services to communities in the east of Metro Manila and their stakeholders.

In a statement on Thursday, Sept. 14, Manila Water Sustainability Head Sarah Bergado said the company has been including green principles and practices in its strategies and management systems.

“We hope to boost long-term financial viability, address the risks, and seize the opportunities through a focused ESG lens,” Bergado added.

Manila Water has also invested in East Zone areas that will create alternative water sources. These include the Wawa-Calawis Water Supply System, the Kaliwa Dam Project, the Kaliwa River Project, and the East Bay Phase 1 Water Supply System initiatives.

In their initial phase, they can add up to 80 million liters per day (MLD), then gradually 300 MLD, and 250 MLD more capacity, respectively.

Wastewater expansion within the East Zone is said to be underway and has complied with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) standards.

At the moment, Manila Water is constructing three sewerage treatment plants and sewer networks in Mandaluyong, San Juan, Quezon City, Antipolo, San Mateo, and Rodriguez in Rizal, the San Mateo-Rodriguez Sewerage System, the Hinulugang Taktak Sewerage System Project, the Mandaluyong West Sewerage System, and the North and South Pasig Sewerage Systems to name a few.

Meanwhile, other water suppliers under Manila Water have joined the sustainability drive. For example, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, South Luzon Water has installed onsite solar panels.

Furthermore, Estate Water partnered with Bonifacio Water Corporation to install renewable energy in its facilities. These two projects foster sustainable practices through the Green Energy Option Program.

Manila Water is also accelerating growth in key markets as a purposeful strategy to reach residents in Eastern Metro Manila.

To provide adequate water sources for its growing customer base, Water Security will help achieve 1,500 MLD additional water sources. 

To reach more underserved and unserved communities like in Rizal, they aim to service 500,000 people through Water Accessibility. 

Water Continuity will also be considered to mitigate the impact of emergencies or water supply issues by rehabilitating 80 pump stations and reservoirs.

Lastly, Water Sustainability aims to protect and preserve the environment that impacts wastewater and sanitation services operations.

“We know that we can only grow, fulfill our purpose, and aspire to be a global Filipino water company if we care for the communities we serve, the environment, and our partnerships,” said Bergado.

Manila Water is also eyeing a business expansion within the country and overseas such as Thailand, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. (Gabriell Christel Galang)