METRO Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) reaffirmed its commitment to water security in Iloilo City and neighboring municipalities, citing over P4.2 billion in verified infrastructure investments since entering into a joint venture with the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) in July 2019.
Responding to recent public concerns and criticisms, MPIW emphasized that its initiatives are geared toward long-term solutions to generational infrastructure problems.
“These initiatives are not instantaneous solutions. We are correcting infrastructure challenges that span generations—something that cannot be reversed overnight,” said MPIW Chief Operating Officer David Berba.
Berba said MPIW’s operational performance is backed by concrete investments, and the company continues to work closely with stakeholders, including local government units, to improve service delivery.
He added, “Let us be clear: MPIW has not broken promises. We are fulfilling a long-term vision to ensure clean, reliable, and equitable access to water for Iloilo—a goal that requires continued support, not sensationalism.”
As of mid-2025, MPIW reported investing over P1.3 billion this year alone in infrastructure upgrades focused on pipeline rehabilitation, leak detection, and service expansion. The company aims to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) and improve overall water efficiency.
Since taking over operations in 2019, MPIW has managed to decrease NRW from around 60 percent to 47 percent and is targeting a further reduction to 35 percent by the end of 2025. This translates to a projected recovery of 15 to 20 million liters per day of productive water.
MPIW said it has rehabilitated and replaced over 27,000 meters of old, leak-prone pipelines, with an additional 40,000 meters currently being installed. Service connections have increased by roughly 20 percent, benefiting over 50,000 households directly.
The utility company clarified that the widely reported figure stating that 73 percent of Ilonggo households lack access to reliable water service should be viewed in context. According to MPIW, the number includes upland and remote barangays that are either outside current service coverage or in areas pending land acquisition, pipeline extension, or inter-agency coordination.
Berba maintained that MPIW’s operations undergo constant oversight and audit by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Our compliance has been verified annually, with service coverage steadily increasing in line with our approved Business Plan,” he said.
Major long-term projects, with a cumulative value exceeding P11 billion, include the planned Desalination Facility and the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project, both of which will be integrated into MPIW’s distribution system once operational.
MPIW also expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of Iloilo City officials, particularly Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, in supporting initiatives such as “Oplan Bulig Tubig sa Syudad.” The company said, “These efforts demonstrate that our goals are aligned, not antagonistic.”
Berba affirmed, “MPIW is invested in Iloilo. MPIW is committed to modernizing the water infrastructure of Iloilo.”
In addition to water infrastructure, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), MPIW’s parent company, is also expanding its footprint in Iloilo through other sectors. Global Business Power (GBP), a major MPIC energy arm, operates power generation assets in the La Paz District of Iloilo City.
Meanwhile, MetPower is launching energy solutions aimed at supporting solid waste management and supplementing water supply efforts.
Furthermore, MPIC’s investment in telecommunications infrastructure via PLDT and Smart is helping enhance digital connectivity in Iloilo, contributing to a more resilient and connected urban environment.
MPIW urged both media and stakeholders to focus on verified facts and to observe ongoing developments in its projects. “We are not perfect, but we are present, transparent, and delivering,” Berba said. “MPIW will continue to show up—with results. Together, we move forward." (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)