Manila Water steps up expansion outside M. Manila

The Ayala group is further expanding its businesses outside Metro Manila as it secures 25-year joint-venture deals with local water districts of llagan City in Isabela province and in Malasiqui, Pangasinan.

Manila Water Co. Inc. yesterday said Filipinas Water Holdings Inc.—a consortium it formed with wholly-owned subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV)—had signed a partnership deal with the City of Ilagan Water District (CIWD), forming a 90-10 joint venture with an initial subscribed capital of P25 million.

The agreement commits the Manila Water group to implement the development, construction, operation and maintenance of bulk water supply with system expansion and septage management project for CIWD.

Local executives hope the project will help address challenges in water quality, water pressure and service coverage for 170,000 residents of Ilagan City, and boost the economic competitiveness of the city.

Also, MWPV has executed a joint venture agreement with Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc. (TPGI) related to a 25-year concession and a water supply project covering Malasiqui town.

TGPI has been in the pipe manufacturing for 50 years and in bulk water supply, water distribution system and wastewater management for 30 years.