Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri disclosed on Thursday, Oct. 16, that Hungary's $33-million (P1.9 billion) loan agreement with the Philippines is set to be finalized to fund major water treatment and desalination projects aimed at improving access to clean water and strengthening climate resilience.

Hungary made the announcement during the courtesy call of Hungarian National Assembly Speaker László Kövér to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III at the Philippine Senate yesterday.

Zubiri, who also serves as president of the Philippines–Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the initiative reflects the deepening cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas that directly address the needs of Filipino communities facing water scarcity.

“Napakahalaga ng proyektong ito dahil it will bring real solutions to local water access, especially in coastal areas where freshwater is limited. Hungary’s experience in water management can help us a great deal (This project is very important because it will bring real solutions to local water access, especially in coastal areas where freshwater is limited. Hungary’s experience in water management can greatly help us),” he said.

During the courtesy call, Kövér announced that discussions on the water project have reached an advanced stage and is steadily progressing.

“We are talking about a loan project worth $33 million and the funds are to be used for water treatment, water cleaning and desalination (We are talking about a $33-million loan project, and the funds will be used for water treatment, purification, and desalination),” Kövér said through an interpreter.

“In fact, we are close to signing the agreement. And we are currently waiting for your response to the latest draft agreement,” he added.

Sotto, who presided over the meeting, welcomed the Hungarian proposal and noted the contrast between the two countries’ water resources.

Kövér said Hungary has an abundance of fresh water, and they "have traditions going back to more than 100 years in everything relating to water treatment."

"And it applies to flood control to managing droughts and it also applies to water management and sewer treatment,” the Speaker added.

Sotto quipped that while Hungary may be blessed with abundant freshwater, the Philippines is surrounded by the opposite.

“On the contrary, in the Philippines, we have an abundance of saltwater. We welcome so much the proposal to help us build desalination plants,” he said.

Zubiri said the project underscores Hungary’s commitment to assist developing countries in sustainable infrastructure.

“Climate change affects us all, and partnerships like this give us access to both technology and expertise. We can learn from Hungary’s long history in water management,” he expressed.

During the meeting, Speaker Kövér also expressed optimism about the growing partnership between Philippines and Hungary.

“Please allow me to express my gratitude for receiving me. I’m sincerely delighted that I can be the first Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly enjoying the hospitality of the Philippines. Just as Mr. Zubiri was also the first higher ranking Filipino official who paid an official visit to Hungary,” he said.

“I am delighted to note that over the past two years, our exchanges have accelerated. And I am very hopeful that even this time we have continued to strengthen the relations, not only between the two countries, but also between our two Parliaments,” he added.

Zubiri said he was honored by the Speaker’s remarks and noted that Hungary has always been a reliable friend to the Philippines.

“Bilang kaibigan ng mga Pilipino (As a friend of Filipinos), Hungary has consistently extended a hand of cooperation, from humanitarian assistance to scholarship aid and opening their economy to overseas Filipino workers in their agricultural and IT sectors," Zubiri stated.

"This latest initiative will not only benefit our people but also open more opportunities for collaboration in sustainability and economic development,” he continued.

He added that Hungary’s $33-million loan offer supports the Philippines’ continuing efforts to modernize its water infrastructure and ensure access to clean water across the country.

“Kung matutuloy ito, makakapagpatayo tayo ng mas maayos at ligtas na water systems sa mga probinsya, we can provide cleaner and safer water systems sa mga probinsya (If this pushes through, we will be able to build better and safer water systems in the provinces — we can provide cleaner and safer water for provincial communities),” Zubiri said.