2 August 2013 – Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Chairman Ramon B. Alikpala conducted a presentation on “Opportunities in the Philippine Water Sector” at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on July 29. 

The presentation was organized by the DFA Office of European Affairs to provide a platform for the MWSS to brief Foreign Service personnel on water-related issues and opportunities for foreign investment and partnership.

During his presentation, Mr. Alikpala provided a bird’s eye view of the water situation in and outside of Metro Manila and offered his insights on possible ways to improve the efficiency of the delivery of water services around the country.

Mr. Alikpala welcomed the DFA’s help in disseminating information on MWSS-led projects to potential investors, underscoring the fact that the participation of more players, both local and foreign, in the bids would make for an open, competitive and credible process.

He noted that within the next two years, MWSS will bid out a number of water supply improvement projects, including the construction of two big dams, namely the Kaliwa dam, which is under government funding, and Laiban dam which is under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative. These projects will be in addition to existing initiatives to improve the delivery of water from Angat dam to areas under the regulatory control of MWSS.

According to Mr. Alikpala, sewage management is another promising sector that provides good opportunities for potential investors. He noted that only planned communities in Metro Manila have centralized sewage systems. END