By Brian Campued
“Access to clean water is a fundamental right that we must uphold and deliver to every Filipino.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the government’s commitment to improving Filipinos’ access to clean water as he led the inauguration of the Aglipay Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Mandaluyong City on Friday.
During the event, the President underscored the role of wastewater management and sanitation in ensuring public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
“By reducing pollution flowing into rivers within its service area, this facility will improve local water quality. It also supports the long-term rehabilitation of Manila Bay by limiting the pollution load that eventually reaches our seas,” he said.
Developed by Manila Water Company Inc. in coordination with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), the Aglipat STP can treat up to 60 million liters of wastewater per day (MLD), and can be expanded to 120 MLD to accommodate growing demand.
The facility is expected to serve around 652,000 residents across parts of Mandaluyong City, San Juan City, and Quezon City.
“This means that more liters of safe water is available for public consumption and more rivers and seas are preserved for future generations,” Marcos Jr. said, noting that the real measure of the initiative’s success is the improvement in water quality and the preservation of the environment.
“This is how a carefully planned and thoroughly executed infrastructure directly improves the lives of our people,” he emphasized.
‘Work doesn’t stop here’
The Chief Executive also vowed that the government would continue to strengthen water and sanitation infrastructure not just in Metro Manila but also in nearby areas, with five more wastewater treatment plants currently under construction.
According to the President, the projects are guided by the Revised Concession Agreement under Republic Act Nos. 11600 and 11601—with the goal of connecting 76% of households in Metro Manila, Cavite, and Rizal to sewerage systems by 2047, while the remaining 24% will have access to proper sanitation services.
“This means that no community is left without safe and responsible wastewater management,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of Manila Water and Megawide Consortium not just in delivering the critical infrastructure but also in joining the administration in its vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” where “economic progress goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship, strong public health systems, and people-centered service delivery.”
Before concluding his speech, the President urged government agencies, the private sector, and the public to practice responsible waste disposal and maintain clean surroundings.
“Clean facilities must be matched by clean habits… Ang kalinisan ng ating kapaligiran ay salamin ng ating disiplina bilang isang bayan.”
-jpv
