The Marcos-led Economy and Development (ED) Council has approved the 10-year extension of the water concession agreements of Maynilad and Manila Water to ensure water supply in Metro Manila, Malacañang said Thursday, June 19.

In a Facebook post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the decision was made during the first meeting of the ED Council, formerly the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, on Wednesday.

The extension is from July 31, 2037, to Jan. 21, 2047.

“Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Marcos, aprubado sa unang miting ng Economy and Development Council ang 10-year extension ng water concession agreements ng Maynilad at Manila Water para matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng malinis na tubig sa NCR at karatig-probinsya (Spearheaded by President Marcos, the ED Council approved during its first meeting the 10-year extension of Maynilad’s and Manila Water’s water concession agreements to ensure the steady supply of clean water in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces),” it said.

The ED Council approved the request of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to extend the Revised Concession Agreements of the two major water service providers. The move aims to ensure sustained access to safe, reliable, and affordable water for Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

The extension aligns the contracts with the legislative franchises of both concessionaires, as mandated by Republic Act Nos. 11600 and 11601.

According to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), 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 P50.3 billion.

“Ensuring water security is fundamental to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for our growing population,” ED Council Vice Chairperson and DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“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,” he added.

Aside from the water concession extension, the PCO said the ED Council also approved two new infrastructure projects that aim to enhance connectivity and agricultural development.

“The ED Council also approved two major infrastructure projects: the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program, and the P5.1-billion Liloan Bridge Construction Project in Southern Leyte,” it said.

The Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) will construct 300 climate-resilient modular steel bridges across 52 provinces in 15 regions.

“By improving physical connectivity in farming and fishing communities, the Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program addresses persistent infrastructure gaps that limit market access, increase post-harvest losses, and hinder rural productivity,” Balisacan said.

“It also aims to uplift rural incomes and improve food logistics, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” he added.

The Liloan Bridge Construction Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) involves constructing a four-lane, 721-meter bridge connecting Panaon Island to mainland Leyte, replacing the deteriorated existing structure.

It is expected to improve mobility and access for residents and travelers in the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo, while stimulating local economic activity and job creation in the region.