By Mariela Angella Oladive
Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) has begun pipelaying and expansion projects expected to enhance water access for more than 6,000 households in Iloilo City.
The groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies held on Monday, April 15, marked the start of P77 million worth of pipeline work spanning 5,418 linear meters in the Mandurriao and Jaro Districts, including previously unserved areas.
The areas covered by the project include Diversion Road, Barangay San Rafael in Mandurriao, as well as Barangay Lanit and Sitio Ilaya, Tabuc Suba in the Jaro District, with an anticipated completion within six months.
These initiatives are part of MPIW’s strategy to improve water availability and curtail the use of illegal deep wells, adhering to the National Water Resources Board’s policies.
Many residents, especially in targeted areas, have struggled to access clean water, often depending on unsafe wells or expensive water delivery services costing up to 1,800 pesos monthly.
MPIW President and CEO Andrew Pangilinan underscored the projects’ significance for Iloilo’s urban communities.
“These projects are critical developments for the city’s residents, demonstrating our dedication to enhancing Ilonggo communities’ lives through safe and reliable water,” Pangilinan said.
Additionally, MPIW is celebrating the completion of a pipe expansion in Barangay Camalig and a first in Western Visayas—the retrofitting of pipe crossing at Carpenter’s Bridge using Tyfo-Fibrewrap Technology, which enables leak repairs without service interruptions.
Jerry P. Guillergan, head of MPIW’s Engineering Division, emphasized, “This is the fulfillment of our improvement plans in the city, in partnership with the city government.”
Mayor Jerry Treñas praised the initiative as a timely response to the current dry season and the challenges of El Niño.
“These projects provide significant relief to the community and local businesses. I commend MPIW for its proactive efforts,” Treñas said.
He also noted the critical importance of sustainable infrastructure investment for the welfare of present and future residents.
The collaboration between MPIW and the city government promises to enhance the quality of life for beneficiaries of housing projects like the soon-to-be-completed Uswag Condominium.
This initiative is a milestone in MPIW’s mission to fortify water infrastructure, ensuring sustainable, safe water access, and is a collaborative effort with local authorities to better serve the city of Iloilo.
MPIW is a joint venture between Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and Metro Pacific Water (MPW) that serves seven districts of Iloilo City alongside several municipalities, including Oton, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin, San Miguel, Pavia, and Leganes.
