黑料社

(PNA photo by Perla Lena)

ILOILO CITY 鈥� Metro Pacific Water (MPW) has officially begun the construction of a state-of-the-art P5.5 billion desalination plant aimed at addressing Iloilo鈥檚 water scarcity.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) chair and president Manny Pangilinan led the capsule-laying and groundbreaking rites for the Metro Iloilo Desalination Facility during a ceremony on Friday in Barangay Ingore.

This facility is the largest of its kind in the country.

鈥淢PW鈥檚 commitment to providing sustainable water solutions is at the heart of this project. It underscores our dedication to supporting Iloilo鈥檚 rapid growth and development,鈥� MPW president Cristopher Andrew Pangilinan said in a statement.

The facility will utilize advanced reverse osmosis technology to convert saltwater into potable water, with a production capacity of 66,500 cubic meters per day (MLD).

This will ensure a reliable water supply even during droughts or low rainfall periods.

鈥淭his innovative and sustainable desalination facility will provide a long-term solution to the water challenges of Iloilo,鈥� Pangilinan added.

Remulla, in his keynote address, said Iloilo is very fortunate to have MPW as a partner because Cavite used to be a large market of Metro Pacific.

鈥淚 am very happy for Iloilo, the province that you are having. You are now a model city for the entire province,鈥� Remulla said.

鈥淔rom a backward agricultural city, you are now the fastest growing and most progressive city in the Philippines. You are a testament to good governance, good leadership, and a united vision towards a better Philippines,鈥� he noted.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Tre帽as and Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. expressed gratitude for the project, emphasizing its role in sustaining Iloilo鈥檚 growth and future water needs.

The project is a joint effort between MPW, SUEZ鈥� a France-based water management solutions provider鈥� and Philippine construction firm JEMCO.

The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) hoped the facility would serve as a model for other water-scarce communities across the country.