Manila Water secures ₱15-billion Metrobank loan for capex projects
Enrique K. Razon-led Manila Water Co. Inc. announced that it has secured a loan from Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) to help fund its capital expenditure (capex) projects and other general corporate requirements.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Tuesday, Dec. 23, Manila Water said the ₱15-billion term loan facility with Metrobank will have a 10-year repayment period.
Although no specific projects were specified, the company has already rolled out ₱18 billion for the first nine months of this year, with the east zone concession taking up the majority of this budget allocation.
Driven by strong performance in its east and non-east zone businesses, the company posted a 25-percent increase in net income from January to September, totaling about ₱12.6 billion.
Manila Water has ensured the rollout of its capex programs in recent years, which the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) cited as a reason for approving the company’s rate rebasing for next year.
Under the multi-year rate rebasing and the adjusted environmental charge, the next tranche will result in higher water bills for consumers starting January 2026.
Furthermore, the water firm is set to increase its water supply next year following its acquisition of a 100-percent stake in also Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Inc.’s Wawa JVCo, the developer of Wawa Dam, last June.
The acquisition is expected to support Manila Water’s long-term water security plans and improve overall operations in its eastern franchise area.
To further reduce dependence on Angat Dam, the company is wrapping up its East Bay phase two water treatment plant, which is expected to deliver water to around two million households within the cities of Pasig and Taguig as well as Pateros town in Metro Manila.
Currently, Manila Water’s east zone concession serves 24 cities and municipalities, including parts of Mandaluyong City, Makati City, Pasig City, Pateros, San Juan City, Taguig City, Marikina City, Quezon City, Manila, and Parañaque City. It also has a presence in Rizal province.