More than ₱50 billion in additional government revenues is expected following the approval of a 10-year extension of the concession agreements of major water service providers by the Economy and Development (ED) Council on Wednesday, June 18.

The ED Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., approved the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s (MWSS) request to extend the revised concession agreements of Pangilinan-led Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Razon-led Manila Water Co. Inc.—the two main water service providers.

“The extension is expected to accelerate capital investments, minimize tariff pressures, and secure long-term water supply. It is also projected to generate additional government revenues amounting to ₱50.3 billion,” the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said in a statement.

It further said that the move aims to “ensure sustained access to safe, reliable, and affordable water for Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.”

DEPDev asserted that the extension of the contract end date from July 2037 to January 2047 aligns the agreements with the legislative franchises of the two water concessionaires, as required under Republic Act (RA) Nos. 11600 and 11601.

“Ensuring water security is fundamental to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for our growing population,” said Arsenio M. Balisacan, ED Council vice chairperson and the country’s socioeconomic planner.

“By aligning the concession agreements with legislative franchises, we are promoting policy coherence and long-term investment planning in the water sector, which are essential for delivering clean, reliable, and affordable water services to millions of Filipinos,” Balisacan added.

Aside from extending the water concession agreements, the ED Council also approved two new infrastructure projects funded through official development assistance (ODA) to boost connectivity and support agricultural development.

One of the approved infra projects is the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) ₱27.7-billion farm-to-market bridges development program, which will build 300 climate-resilient modular steel bridges across 52 provinces in 15 regions.

Balisacan said that by improving physical connectivity in farming and fishing communities, the program “addresses persistent infrastructure gaps that limit market access, increase post-harvest losses, and hinder rural productivity. It also aims to uplift rural incomes and improve food logistics, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.”

The second approved project is the construction of the ₱5.1-billion Liloan bridge, which will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

DEPDev said the project involves building a four-lane, 721-meter bridge that will connect Panaon island to mainland Leyte, replacing the old and deteriorating structure. It is also expected to enhance mobility and access for residents and travelers in the towns of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo, while also boosting local economic activity and generating jobs in the region.