Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure unit of the Aboitiz Group, has been granted Original Proponent Status (OPS) for its proposal to develop the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project. The OPS was awarded during a ceremony held at Iloilo City Hall on May 15, 2025, attended by Iloilo City officials and AIC representatives, including Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and AIC President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao.
The OPS marks a significant step in the PPP process, recognising AIC’s unsolicited proposal as qualified following successful negotiations with the implementing agency. The project aims to enhance Iloilo’s long-term water supply infrastructure to support population growth and economic expansion.
“This is a major step forward in strengthening Iloilo’s water security and infrastructure resilience. We are honored by the city’s trust given to us through the OPS, and we are committed to working closely with our partners to co-create a future-ready water system for all Ilonggos,” said Canilao.
Mayor Treñas underscored the importance of expanding water capacity to meet growing demand, noting the city’s rapid economic growth. Iloilo City posted a 10.5% increase in gross domestic product in 2023, the highest in Western Visayas, largely driven by the services sector.
“The need for water is really tremendous. And we can see that even with a desalination plant, because of rapid growth, we will continue to need additional water,” Treñas said.
The OPS marks a significant step in the PPP process, recognising AIC’s unsolicited proposal as qualified following successful negotiations with the implementing agency
The proposed project is expected to deliver 86 million liters per day (MLD) of potable bulk water. It will involve the construction and operation of new infrastructure, including a water intake facility, treatment systems, and delivery mechanisms to supply various off-takers across the city.
According to AIC, the project is designed to be technically sound, financially viable, and socially responsive, with the goal of addressing existing demand-supply gaps and supporting sustainable development.
“Iloilo’s growing water concerns need urgent, collaborative solutions. A resilient water system with multiple players working together is key to ensuring that communities, businesses, and industries can thrive,” said Eduardo V. Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Water Business.
Under the PPP framework, the OPS award initiates a Swiss Challenge process, allowing other qualified parties to submit competing proposals to ensure transparency and competitive procurement.
AIC has prior experience in water PPPs through its subsidiary, Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., which co-operates the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) with the Davao City Water District. The DCBWSP, with a capacity of 300 MLD, is the largest of its kind in the country and was recognized as the Best PPP in the Philippines by the UK-based International Finance Awards.
AIC stated that the Iloilo bulk water project aligns with national and regional goals for sustainable infrastructure and economic resilience.
