Metro Pacific Water (MPW) launched the construction of the largest desalination facility in the Philippines, a major step towards securing a sustainable water supply for Iloilo City and its surrounding areas.
A groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 21, 2025 in Barangay Ingore, La Paz, Iloilo City marked the commencement of the P5.5-billion Metro Iloilo Desalination Facility.
The project is set to transform the region’s water infrastructure and address the growing demand for clean drinking water.
The plant will have a capacity to produce 66,500 cubic meters of potable water daily, benefiting over 400,000 residents and businesses in Iloilo City and beyond.
The desalination facility will employ cutting-edge reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into potable water while ensuring an uninterrupted supply even in times of drought or low rainfall.
Metro Pacific Water president Cristopher Andrew Pangilinan emphasized the importance of the project in strengthening Iloilo’s water security.
“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,” he said.
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla congratulated everyone who are involved in the project and highlighted its significance, particularly as Iloilo is the fastest growing and most progressive city in the Philippines.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas also underscored the significance of the project for both the residents and the economy of Iloilo.
“This desalination plant is a game-changer for the people of Iloilo. It will provide a consistent and safe source of water, which is vital for both daily living and for the city’s future development,” Treñas said.
“We are confident that this initiative will contribute to Iloilo’s continued growth and infrastructure modernization,” he said.
The facility is part of a broader effort to enhance the water supply across Metro Iloilo, with MPW and its bulk water suppliers working together to meet the region’s increasing water demand. The plant is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Representatives from SUEZ emphasized their vital role in the project.
“The Iloilo project is a pivotal win for us to expand our footprint in the Southeast Asia. Given the critical water conditions that the region is facing, we are determined to secure a stable and reliable water supply for our customers by leveraging our 50 years of expertise and technological know-how in seawater desalination globally. This collaboration is a testament to the trust our partners and clients place in us,” it said.
MPW’s desalination project is a major component of the company’s strategy to build long-term, sustainable water solutions across the country. The facility will serve as a critical resource for the growing population of Iloilo and is expected to play a key role in the region’s economic development, reducing dependency on unreliable freshwater sources like rivers and groundwater.
The project is a joint effort between MPW, the consortium of SUEZ and JEMCO.
MPW is a wholly owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) – the leading infrastructure holding company in the Philippines.
SUEZ is a France-based water and waste management solutions provider which will assist in the construction and operation of the desalination facility. It has 50 years of expertise and technological know-how in seawater desalination globally.
