
By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
With the Philippines being one of the countries easily affected by the worsening effects of climate change, ensuring a stable and secure supply of precious resources is touted as the way forward towards sustaining the country’s ever-growing populace.
This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inspection of the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Monday, hailing the facility’s contribution towards ensuring that Negrenses have year-round access to safe and potable water.
President Marcos Jr. said in his speech, “It is an initiative that represents sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment in our country’s future. The Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant is a clear example of how the public and private sectors can work together to provide solutions.”
The water treatment plant, considered as one of the largest in the Negros Island Region, is expected to provide a constant supply of water to residents of Bacolod City and the municipality of Murcia—up to 75 million liters of water per day that will benefit approximately 100,000 households or roughly half a million residents.
The President, moreover, acknowledged Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc., for making the project possible.
He also recognized the contribution of international expertise, including water treatment and automation technology from Israel-based Watermatic International, as instrumental to the initiative’s success.
“It demonstrates our country’s established position to make long-term investments succeed. It is particularly true for those aligned with climate resilience and sustainable development.”
The Chief Executive concluded his remarks by emphasizing the indispensable role of public-private sector cooperation and partnerships in making projects that bring about meaningful change to their communities and intended beneficiaries.
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