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Metro Pacific Water allots P3.81 billion in CAPEX for water systems upgrade, assures adequate supply amid upcoming El Niño season

by Contributor
written by Contributor

METRO Pacific Water (MPW) has earmarked P3.81 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) for 2026 to fund major water infrastructure projects and system upgrades in Dumaguete City and Iloilo City, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring reliable and sustainable water supply amid the looming effects of the upcoming El Niño season.

“We recognize that demand continues to grow at a time when traditional water sources are becoming increasingly strained due to extreme climate conditions. These investments are being made today so our customers will not have to bear the burden of shortages tomorrow,” MPW president and CEO Andrew Pangilinan said.

The CAPEX covers a wide range of initiatives, including the laying of new pipelines, the replacement of aging and undersized pipes, and ​​the building 86,073 new water service connections, providing more households with accessible water. The company is also implementing non-revenue water (NRW) reduction projects aimed at minimizing leaks, illegal connections, and system losses. These efforts are expected to improve water pressure, enhance service reliability, and increase operational efficiency across the company’s service areas.

To diversify water sources and strengthen supply resilience during periods of extreme heat and reduced rainfall, MPW is also accelerating the rollout of alternative water source projects. These include ongoing construction of desalination facilities that convert saltwater into potable water of up to 65 million liters per day and modular water treatment plants capable of producing 5 million liters per day of clean water from sources within or nearby the cities.

“Through these strategic investments in infrastructure modernization and supply augmentation, we are strengthening the reliability of our systems and safeguarding access to clean and adequate water for our customers even as the El Niño season approaches,” Mr. Pangilinan added.

Metro Pacific Water currently provides access to water services for approximately 860,000 residents across Iloilo City, Dumaguete City, and seven municipalities in its franchise areas.

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Business

PESO Davao conducts local recruitment to provide aid to displaced construction workers

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE PUBLIC Employment Service Office (PESO) Davao and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI are working together to assist displaced construction workers due to the public infrastructure slowdown.

During the Kapehan sa Davao on Monday, Shirly Duran, PESO Davao labor and employment officer, said the office is conducting local recruitment activities that cater to the workers in the construction industry.

“Every day we conduct a local recruitment activity in our main office and eight district offices in Davao, they can visit anytime to check available jobs for them, since construction is experiencing a slowdown,” Duran said.

Duran said apart from the visiting job seekers, the office is awaiting referrals from DOLE for the number of displaced workers in the city.

“We readily invite those displaced workers, and if there is a chance, we can provide them emergency employment under TUPAD,” she said.

The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program under DOLE provides emergency, community-based, temporary employment for 10–30 days to informal-sector workers, underemployed workers, and displaced workers. It offers minimum wage pay, insurance, and safety equipment for tasks like cleaning, serving as a social safety net.

Duran said the major factor in the unemployment of construction workers is controversy surrounding government infrastructure projects, such as flood control initiatives.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently reported that about 550,000 construction workers nationwide have already lost employment.

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News

Dizon vows probe into delayed Tuganay Bridge, Davao projects 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered an immediate investigation into several long-delayed and multi-million-peso infrastructure projects across the Davao Region, explicitly stating that the core issue plaguing the agency is “systemic corruption from top to bottom.”

In a press conference with Davao media on Sept. 25, 2025, at the DPWH Engineering Office in Panacan, Secretary Dizon signaled a broad audit of regional projects by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

 He specifically demanded details for the P516 million Tuganay Bridge in Carmen, Davao del Norte, a project notorious for its prolonged delays and public complaints.

“Send me the details of Tuganay Bridge… We will look into it,” Dizon told DPWH XI director Juby B. Cordon.

The secretary also addressed the maligned Ma-a Flyover, which began construction in April 2022.

 “Many are complaining why it’s so delayed, it has taken a long time, so I want to understand why it’s delayed,” Dizon said, promising a follow-up visit due to the sheer volume of projects in Davao.

Flood control projects also targeted

Accountability will also be sought for ongoing flood control measures in the region. 

Dizon requested urgent documentation on flood control projects in Mawab, Davao de Oro, and Nabunturan, stating he and the Regional Director would visit the sites immediately.

When questioned about a stalled P900-million flood control project in Laverna, RD Cordon attributed the delay to protracted negotiations over right-of-way issues, which she claimed were only recently settled after years of negotiation.

Despite the right-of-way explanations, Dizon made it clear that bureaucratic issues often mask deeper problems. 

“But more than the right-of-way problem, what really needs to be cleaned up here is the systemic corruption from top to bottom here in the DPWH,” he asserted, warning that all reports will be followed up, and “no one will escape” accountability.

Photo courtesy of The Mindanao Newscaster (TMN)

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