Crystal Bridges Holdings Corp., the holding company controlled by the family of billionaire retailer Lucio Co, has allocated ₱6.7 billion for the initial phase of a multi-year program to rehabilitate and expand Primewater Infrastructure Corp. following its acquisition of the utility in May.

In a statement, Crystal Bridges said the capital expenditure represents the opening salvo in a broader corporate turnaround strategy aimed at fixing service bottlenecks, updating aging distribution networks, and increasing capacity across municipal water districts nationwide.

Under the initial phase, the company said the funds will be directed across the entire water supply chain. Planned capital works include constructing and upgrading water treatment plants, pumping stations, and septage treatment facilities, alongside replacing degraded transmission and distribution pipelines.

The company will also erect new storage reservoirs and booster pumping systems designed to elevate water pressure and expand network coverage to underserved communities.

“Crystal Bridges is dedicating significant resources toward the revitalization of our water systems,” Jose Paulino “JP” Santamarina, a director at Crystal Bridges, said.

“Access to clean water remains one of the country’s most fundamental needs. Under our management, we aim to strengthen our capacity to provide reliable water services to communities across the Philippines,” he added.

The infrastructure drive comes as the utility seeks to stabilize delivery for millions of household customers who have faced recurring service disruptions and supply constraints.

The initial ₱6.7 billion forms only the foundation of a larger, long-term spending commitment, with additional capital outlays slated for rollout through 2027 as Crystal Bridges completes a comprehensive audit of Primewater’s physical assets and operational bottlenecks.

The acquisition allows the Co family—whose flagship holdings include retail chain Puregold Price Club Inc. and liquor distributor Cosco Capital Inc.—to diversify into regulated essential utilities, where long-term demand remains insulated from broader economic volatility.

“We understand the urgency of providing communities with access to clean and reliable water,” Santamarina said. “We are working at full capacity to address existing issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.”