MacroAsia to boost Iloilo water supply with ₱2-billion Pototan project
The Lucio Tan Group’s MacroAsia Corp. has started the construction of the ₱2-billion New Earth Iloilo Water Supply Project, which will augment Iloilo’s potable water supply and address the rising requirements of expanding communities and industries in the province.
The project is being undertaken by New Earth Water System Inc. (NEWS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Boracay Tubi System Inc. (BTSI), which, in turn, is majority-owned by MacroAsia Properties Development Corp. (MAPDC).
The initial phase of the project involves the construction and development of a water treatment facility in Barangay Bongco, Pototan, Iloilo, with an initial capacity of 37.5 million liters per day (MLD), expandable up to 50 MLD.
NEWS will also construct transmission lines and a distribution network of pipelines to deliver treated water to off-takers in several areas. The construction is expected to be completed within two years.
MacroAsia said NEWS holds the necessary water rights and permits in Iloilo, including a certificate of public convenience (CPC), allowing it to supply, treat, and distribute potable water to Iloilo City and the municipalities of Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Oton, Leganes, Cabatuan, Maasin, and San Miguel.
Once operational, the facility is expected to help address the current water supply shortfall in Iloilo, which has affected households and businesses in underserved areas.
“Water is the lifeblood of Iloilo’s growth, and shortages must not become a barrier to progress,” said NEWS and BTSI Chairman Eduardo Luis T. Luy.
He added that, “This facility will not only close the immediate supply gap, but will also provide Iloilo with resilient and sustainable water infrastructure for the future.”
The tariff structure of the project is envisioned to remain competitive, balancing affordability for consumers with the sustainability of operations.
New Earth Iloilo Water Supply Project is expected to enhance public health and sanitation, support economic development, and strengthen the province’s resilience against water scarcity.
NEWS is a water infrastructure developer focused on delivering sustainable and innovative water solutions in the Philippines.
Founded by the Molina family as the pioneering water service provider in Boracay, BTSI is one of only two licensed water and wastewater utility operators on the island.
MAPDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of MacroAsia, holds investments in economic zones (ecozones) and various water ventures serving communities outside Metro Manila.