ILOILO CITY – Construction is set to begin for the country’s largest desalination plant in Metro Iloilo.
Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and business tycoon Manny Pangilinan led the groundbreaking of the P5-billion facility that turns saltwater into potable water in Iloilo City.
Remulla lauded Metro Pacific Water and its French partner Suez for the project that is set to produce 66.5 million liters of water daily for consumers in Iloilo City and the neighboring towns in Iloilo province.
“MPW’s commitment to providing sustainable water solutions is at the heart of this project. It underscores our dedication to supporting Iloilo’s rapid growth and development,” said MPW President Christopher Andrew Pangilinan.
“This innovative and sustainable desalination facility will provide a long-term solution to the water challenges of Iloilo,” added Christopher.
Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Chairman Ronnie Ong said the project marks the triumph of technology that could address water scarcity in the country.
The desalination plant is set to increase the service of MPW’s subsidiary Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), the joint venture between Metro Pacific Water and the government-owned Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).
MPIW serves consumers in Iloilo City as well as the towns of Oton, Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin, San Miguel, Pavia, and Leganes.
Also present during the Feb. 21 groundbreaking ceremony were Iloilo Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr., Iloilo Rep. Michael Gorriceta, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga, MIWD Chairwoman Rebecca Maravilla, MIWD General Manager Alfredo Tayo III, Suez chief Farchad Kaviani, Meralco Thermal President Jaime Azurin, and MPIW Chief Operating Officer Angelo David Berba.