DAVAO CITY ––President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday lauded the Aboitiz Equity Ventures for leading the P12 billion Davao City Bulk Water Project in Barangay Gumalang, Baguio District this city saying the modern water production technology will help the people as the water resources has become scare.
The DCBWSP is a joint venture of the Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc and the Davao City Water District, it is dubbed as the largest bulk water project in the country designed to address the increasing water needs of Davao people.
Mr. Marcos in his message commended the commitment of the Aboitiz Group of Companies commitment “That they have shown despite the many, many challenges from the beginning to the end of this project.”
Marcos said, that the construction of the project is a proven approach to combat water scarcity through the joint efforts of the local government and private entities.
The project taps Tamugan river, a shift the the city’s long dependence on groundwater.
President Marcos acknowledged the Apo Agua of Aboitiz InfraCapital, the DCWD, and the local government of Davao for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in realizing the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project.
He also emphasized that the joint efforts of the public and private sectors in ensuring the protection and conservation of the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed and the management and rehabilitation of the watershed only showed that development can be pursued without compromising the environment.
“Thank you for showing us the deep well of potential that public-private partnerships hold, not just in securing water supply, but also in paving the way for enhanced economic growth, jobs creation, and improved standards of living for all Filipinos,” President Marcos said.
“What this demonstrates is a proven approach in battling water scarcity, which is no longer a seasonal challenge but a perpetual threat that comes with climate change. It is for this reason that I continually stress the urgency of improving water security, and directed agencies concerned to expedite the completion of all water projects across the country,” he added.
Described as a state-of-the-art bulk water supply facility utilizes the Tamugan River as its water source and is designed using the water-energy nexus system- a first in Southeast Asia enables the facility to power itself through its Hydroelectric power plant and contribute surplus energy to the grid.
Sabin Aboitiz, president and CEO of Abioitiz Group. toured the President to the facility before the official inauguration.
Aboitiz said the project “Is a demonstration of how much can be achieved with unsolicited public-private partnerships. We bring our expertise and expertise and experience in surface water projects, which we believe is key to a sustainable water future for all Filipinos.
“The success we celebrate today in Davao sets an example for our entire nation. This is the kind of PPP project we need in either province. We are not just inaugurating a project, we are launching a model for the future endeavor,” Aboitiz added.
The water source.-Apo Agua
The technology
In line with the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation thrust to become the Philippines’ first techglomerate, Apo Agua has taken an innovative approach to water infrastructure development with the use of advanced technology that ensures it meets the needs of current and future generations.
Apo Agua’s 300 MLD Water Treatment Plant is powered by renewable energy sourced from its own run-of-river hydroelectric power plant. It was designed with the water-energy nexus concept, a first in Southeast Asia — wherein the water used to generate power is treated and supplied to DCWD’s water supply systems, creating an environmentally conscious and efficient water supply cycle. Moreover, its facility also includes a DOH-accredited laboratory for water quality analysis that is capable of conducting additional water test parameters – ensuring that high-quality potable water is consistently delivered to DCWD for distribution to its customers.
“We bring our expertise and experience in surface water projects, which we believe is key to a sustainable water future for all of us Filipinos. The success that we celebrate today is an example for our entire nation,” he said.
Aboitiz said the Davao water project is the kind of public-private partnership (PPP) project needed in all the country’s provinces, as it makes significant contributions to the national government’s agenda for improving water supply across the Philippines by aligning with the priorities outlined by the President in his State of the Nation Address.
For decades, the DCWD relied on groundwater sources
which lately become scarce as the number of water consumers ballooned through the years rendering many consumers especially in hilly area waterless making them dependent on the water ration by the water firm.
The partnership agreement states, the water produced by the Apo Agua will be distributed by the water district’s water supply systems in Calinan, Tugbok, Riverside, Dumoy (Panorama), Cabantian and Panacan, the water firm will water supply to Davao consumers, and its franchise area.
DCWD chairman Eduardo Bangayan said as early as 1993, “The DCWD started the groundworks for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project to address the increasing water demand of Davao City. We understood the importance of reliable water service for Davao City to become world-class.”
Bangayan revealed that former President Rodrigo Duterte the vision for a bulk water supply system was shared that former Mayor Rodrigo Duterte
The bulk water augments DCWD’s reliance on surface water.
What to expect?
Shake A. Tuazon, operations manager of Apo Agua Infrastuctura said Davao people “Can expect consistent water supply which will be distributed to their homes.”
The project Memorandum of Agreement was signed during the incumbency of then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, progressed during the term of then-Davao City Mayor, now, Vice President Sara Duterte, and was inaugurated during the term of Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
