ILOILO City – Ilonggo families are set to benefit from better access to potable water as Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently donated 50 water filtration bucket systems to the city, helping Iloilo communities not only cope with water disruptions from extreme weather, but also address their daily struggle with limited access to clean, safe water.
On August 27, 2025, Aboitiz InfraCapital, in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation, turned over 50 water filtration systems to the Iloilo City Government. The donation was formally received at the Iloilo City Hall by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas.
When used properly, these systems can provide over 50 million gallons of clean water throughout their lifespan — enough to support hundreds of families in Iloilo City for years to come.
“Safe water should never be out of reach. These filtration buckets may be simple tools, but they represent AIC’s much larger commitment to Iloilo City — by supporting communities, strengthening long-term water resilience, and helping build a future where every Ilonggo has access to clean and safe water,” said AIC President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette V. Canilao.
Access to clean and safe water is a daily concern, and disasters like the recent Typhoon Emong — along with other unforeseen emergencies — make it even more difficult.
The donated point-of-use filtration systems are specifically designed for disaster scenarios, while also serving as longer-term solutions to water challenges. Each water filtration unit can safely filter up to 1 million gallons of water, removing harmful bacteria such as E. coli and cholera — making them suitable for households sourcing water from lakes, streams, and wells. The filters can also be used with tap water, improving taste and removing sediment, especially helpful when tap or trucked water sources are unreliable.
While Iloilo City’s growing population and climate-induced risks place pressure on its water supply systems, solutions like these filtration buckets offer a practical and immediate way to augment local resilience while a long-term infrastructure solution is being developed.
For AIC, this initiative aligns with its broader mission of developing sustainable water infrastructure and enhancing access to safe water nationwide. Through this effort, AIC underscores its long-term dedication to supporting Iloilo’s evolving water needs.
For over a decade, AIC has been building sustainable infrastructure across the Philippines. Among its many commitments, ensuring access to safe and reliable water remains a critical priority.
For example, in Davao City, Aboitiz InfraCapital business unit Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. has spearheaded Project Blue, a collaboration with the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Aboitiz Foundation that creates a positive impact for Apo Agua’s host communities. In 2024, 134 pipeline rolls were donated to enhance the water supply system in Barangay Tamugan – home to one of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project’s main water sources, the Tamugan River.
Through Project Blue, over 1,070 households Barangay Tamugan’s Sitio Sto. Niño, Sitio San Roque, Lower A, and Tamugan Centro now enjoy piped water access. By tying bulk water supply to last‑mile access, Project Blue reduces waterborne disease risk, frees up time (especially for women and children) previously spent hauling water, and stimulates micro‑enterprise and local livelihoods.
Both Iloilo City’s water filtration systems and Project Blue reflect AIC’s ongoing dedication to being a responsible partner to communities — addressing immediate needs while strengthening long-term resilience in the face of growing challenges.
About Aboitiz InfraCapital
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, aims to build purpose-driven infrastructure that spurs economic growth and improves lives. Now in its 10th year, it develops Economic Estates as well as Water, Digital Infrastructure, and Transport & Mobility projects that enable businesses and uplift communities.
Aboitiz InfraCapital’s current business units include Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., which, together with the Davao City Water District, operates the award-winning Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, the country’s largest bulk water supply facility.
Other business units include TARI Estate in Tarlac; LIMA Estate and LIMA Water Corporation in Batangas; Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate and West Cebu Estate in Cebu; Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. in Davao City; and Unity Digital Infrastructure, Inc.
Aboitiz InfraCapital also operates Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the country’s second-, sixth-, and ninth-busiest gateways, respectively./PN
