MWC steps up expansion efforts

Manila Water Co. Inc. continues to expand its operations outside its main concession, having secured a franchise covering Manaoag town in Pangasinan, which requires an outlay of about P589 million over a 25-year period.

Through a municipal ordinance, the company’s fully owned subsidiary, Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV), received a notice to proceed to provide and improve the operation, maintenance, management, financing and expansion of Manaoag’s water supply system.

Manila Water is committed to deliver 9 million liters of water daily and provide septage management for the town’s 26 barangays.

The franchise period excludes a two-year period when the company will build the infrastructure, which is expected to be operational by 2020.

With the addition of Manaoag, Manila Water’s footprint in Pangasinan now cover’s five towns including Calasiao, San Fabian, Sta. Barbara and Malasiqui.

The company pursues strategic partnerships—particularly in potential water and environmental services projects—to leverage its position in markets in key metropolitan areas in the Philippines outside the Greater Manila Area.

Earlier, Manila Water announced its expansion in Laguna with MPWPV and Laguna AAA Laguna AAAWater Corp., widening its service area to include Pagsanjan.

Pagsanjan adds to a joint venture with the provincial government that also covers the towns of Victoria, Biñan, Santa Rosa and Cabuyao, and locators at the Laguna Technopark Inc. in Biñan.

Last year, Manila Water secured contracts with Calingo Water District and Lambunao Water District—both in Iloilo—and with the local water district of llagan City in Isabela province.

The company is also doing business in Bulacan, Pampanga, Aklan, Cebu, Davao del Norte and Zamboanga City.