ILOILO CITY – Barely a year after Mayor Jerry P. Treñas announced the urgent need for additional water sources, the solution to this city’s growing water supply needs is now underway.
Following active discussions with the potential investor, Metro Pacific Water (MPW), the construction of the largest water desalination facility in the Philippines has kicked off.
The groundbreaking of the 66.5-million-liter-per-day (MLD) desalination facility in Barangay Ingore, La Paz district on Feb. 21 was led by Treñas, Iloilo Province’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and MPW top executives led by no less than its chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and oresident Cristopher Andrew Pangilinan.
Iloilo City is the primary beneficiary of the desalination facility.
“This project will double the water capacity for the entire city through Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, the largest water distribution utility in Iloilo. For the first time, a dedicated water source will be allocated to the City Proper district, effectively addressing the long-standing issue of water scarcity in the area,” Treñas emphasized.
He noted the critical need for potable water, citing that the entire city, including the host barangay of Ingore, has suffered from an acute gastroenteritis outbreak in 2022.
Congratulating and thanking MPW for the significant investment, the city mayor said this initiative is designed not only to meet the current water demands of Iloilo City but also to accommodate its ongoing and future growth.
“We are here today because of the strong partnership between the City of Iloilo, Metro Pacific Water, and all our partners. This project is a testament to our commitment to improving the lives of our people, providing not only water but also promoting the sustainability and safety of the Ilonggos,” the city mayor addressed the attendees during the groundbreaking ceremony.
MPW, a wholly-owned water infrastructure investments subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), is collaborating with French firm, Suez, for the state-of-the-art P5.5 billion facility.
It will utilize advanced reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into potable water, securing an uninterrupted supply for additional 50,000 households in Iloilo City and ensuring a reliable water source even during droughts.
By providing a consistent and dependable supply, it aims to bolster Iloilo’s position as a thriving economic hub driven by business process outsourcing, tourism, and other industries.
This project also targets to reduce dependency on rivers and groundwater, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial water demands.
“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. This innovative and sustainable desalination facility will provide a long-term solution to the water challenges of Iloilo,” said Andrew Pangilinan.
MORE DEV’TS, MORE NEED FOR WATER
Iloilo is the fastest-growing highly urbanized city outside Metro Manila, thus, the need for additional water resources.
Treñas said MPW has committed to exploring other water sources.
Initially, the water firm plans to establish modular desalination plants to reinforce supply in areas such as Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district, which is currently serviced by water tankers.
Treñas noted that more developments are underway in the area, including the entry of a major superstore.
“This is very exciting for Iloilo because we will have additional water supply, similar to Dubai, where desalinated water is already in use. However, as I mentioned, the current supply is still not enough, and MPW understand this. That is why they will continue to seek additional water sources for our residents. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to ensure that all households have access to potable water,” the city mayor added.
The project is a joint venture between MPW, Suez, and JEMCO. Suez, a global leader in water and waste management solutions with over 50 years of desalination expertise, will assist in the plant’s construction and operation.
Farchad Kaviani, head of Suez Asia, emphasized the partnership’s significance.
“Our cutting-edge technology will help secure a sustainable water source for Iloilo, setting a benchmark for similar projects in the Philippines,” said Kaviani.
The desalination facility is part of MPIW’s long-term strategy to address water scarcity not only in Iloilo City but also in nearby municipalities including Pavia, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Oton, San Miguel, and Maasin.
This is also set to be a benchmark for other areas in the Philippines that face similar water scarcity challenges.
SOLID WASTE MGT FACILITY, A COMPLEMENTARY INITIATIVE
Iloilo City is likewise a pioneer in sustainable waste management in the country, with the construction of a cutting-edge Integrated Iloilo City Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) to be located also in Barangay Ingore, La Paz.
The project is being undertaken through a venture agreement between the Iloilo City Government and MetPower Venture Partners Holdings, Inc.
This initiative follows the footsteps of progressive Southeast Asian neighbors, adopting cutting-edge solutions to transform waste into valuable resources and promote sustainable growth.
The ISWMF will not use incinerators to convert waste into power.
Instead, it will adopt a cleaner and more environmentally friendly process that combines Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT), Anaerobic Digestion (AD), and Combined Heat and Power (CHP).
This system converts waste into methane-rich biogas for generating 3.5 MW of renewable energy that will power MPW’s desalination plant.
It also produces solid digestate, which will be used as soil enhancer/fertilizer, promoting sustainability in agriculture.
As the city-run Calahunan landfill approaches the end of its lifespan, there is a need for a waste management solution that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-efficient./PN
