President Marcos described the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant in Bacolod City as a model of sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment.

He made the statement during an inspection at the water treatment plant in Bacolod City on Maonday, Jan. 19.

“It is an initiative that represents sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment in our country’s future,” Marcos said.

“As we all know, water is a precious resource that sustains our health and our life and enables economic activities. When water systems work, progress flows,” the President added.

Considered one of the largest water treatment facilities in the Negros Island Region, the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant significantly strengthens Bacolod City’s long-term water security, according to the President.

“This facility supplies treated bulk water to Bacolod City through the City Water District to ensure a more reliable water supply for the city,” he said.

Located in Barangay Salvacion, Murcia, Negros Occidental, the facility has a capacity of up to 75 million liters of potable water per day and is expected to benefit around 100,000 households, or approximately 500,000 residents in Bacolod City and the Municipality of Murcia.

Marcos further said that the water treatment plant demonstrates the country's goal to carry out long-term investments, especially those aligned with climate resilience.

“It demonstrates our country’s established position to make long-term investments succeed. It is particularly true for those aligned with climate resilience and sustainable development,” the President said.

The P1.5 billion investment is funded through shareholder equity with participation from Climate Fund Managers and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

The President also stressed the importance of public-private sector partnerships in addressing the country’s development challenges and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering “well-planned” infrastructure that directly benefits the people.

“Projects such as the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant remind us that as long as we work together, we can transform our communities for the better,” Marcos said.

“It reinforces this Administration’s direction to create well-planned, responsibly financed infrastructure for our people," he added.

The SWTP is commissioned by the Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc., a subsidiary of Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc. The facility sources surface water from the Sum-Ag River in Barangay Abo-Abo, Murcia, and is designed to boost water supply in Bacolod City and nearby areas.

Its operation primarily benefits communities in southern Bacolod City by providing a dependable supply of drinking water for households, businesses, schools, hospitals and other public institutions. By delivering properly treated water, the facility also helps enhance public health, minimize environmental risks and support sustainable urban development.