By Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine government has moved to secure long-term access to essential services as the Economy and Development (ED) Council approved the 10-year extension of water concession agreements with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc., during its inaugural meeting on Wednesday.
In a news release, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the ED Council, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., also gave the green light to key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and rural development.
DEPDev said the council approved the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s (MWSS) request to extend the firms’ contracts from 2037 to 2047, aligning them with the legislative franchises under Republic Act 11600 and 11601.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who also serves as ED Council Vice Chair, said the move will ensure safe, reliable, and affordable water for Metro Manila and nearby areas while encouraging more capital investments projected to generate about P50.3 billion in government revenues.
“Ensuring water security is fundamental to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for our growing population,” Balisacan said.
“By aligning the concession agreements with legislative franchises, we are promoting policy coherence and long-term investment planning in the water sector, which are essential for delivering clean, reliable, and affordable water services to millions of Filipinos.”
Infrastructure development
The ED council also approved two Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded projects aimed at improving rural access and economic mobility.
This includes the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program of the Department of Agriculture (D.A.) for the construction of 300 modular steel bridges in 52 provinces across 15 regions, aimed at improving transport for farmers and fisherfolk.
Balisacan said that by improving physical connectivity in farming and fishing communities, persistent infrastructure gaps that limit market access, increase post-harvest losses, and hinder rural productivity would be addressed.
Moreover, the project is also expected to improve rural incomes as well as food logistics, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The ED Council also approved the P5.1-billion Liloan Bridge Construction Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that would build a four-lane, 721-meter bridge connecting Panaon Island to mainland Leyte, replacing the deteriorated existing structure.
It is expected to improve mobility and access for residents and travelers in the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo, while stimulating local economic activity and job creation in the region.
Balisacan said the inaugural meeting of the ED Council has set the tone for a more integrated and responsive approach to development planning and investment programming.
“By strengthening water resources, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure connectivity, we aim to unlock greater economic opportunities and foster inclusive growth for more communities across the country,” he said.
