THE DAVAO City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a joint venture between the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) water subsidiary Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua), has been recently honored as the Best Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the Philippines by the UK-based International Finance Awards.
In a statement, Eduardo Aboitiz, Aboitiz InfraCapital Head of Water Business and Apo Agua president, said the award proved Davao City’s commitment to innovative solutions for critical infrastructure needs and delivery of basic services.
“This award underscores the essential role of public-private partnerships in driving critical infrastructure development and meeting the evolving needs of communities,” Aboitiz said.
The project aims to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable water to over one million Davaoeños.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of Davao City’s progress and remain dedicated to supporting the city’s future growth,” he added.
For more than five decades, Davao City has relied on groundwater sources to meet its growing water demands.
The city adopted a ‘proactive approach’ that foresaw the shift in environmental policy to exploring surface water sources rather than digging additional wells, recognizing the potential environmental risks associated with over-extraction, such as land subsistence and saltwater intrusion.
According to Apo Agua, DCBWSP was conceived as a visionary solution, tapping the Tamugan River to augment the city’s groundwater sources.
“The sustainable water source nourishes Davao City’s growth as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and a prime contributor to equitable nationwide development, where sustainable access to essential resources like reliable water acts as an enabler rather than a potential barrier to progress,” the statement read.
Apo Agua handles the water production, managing the country’s largest operating private bulk water supply facility with an over 300 MLD treatment capacity. The project features a unique water-energy nexus design in Southeast Asia, incorporating an integrated hydroelectric power plant that fully powers the facility. This innovative system uses the same water for power generation and treatment before distribution.
Water distribution across the city
The DCWD plays a role in distributing water across the city, serving as the lifeblood of community development. Its network reaches a diverse consumer base, from households to growing MSMEs and large-scale establishments.
“DCWD not only meets basic needs but also fuels economic growth, enabling businesses to thrive and support the city’s rapid urbanization,” DCWD said.
File Photo: Bing Gonzales
