ILOILO CITY – With rising cases of gastroenteritis in several barangays and increasing demand from a growing economy, Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized that clean water is now one of the city’s most urgent needs.
This comes as the Iloilo City Government and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. formally signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project, aimed at securing a stable and safe water supply for residents and businesses.
Treñas led a ceremonial signing at the Iloilo City Hall Penthouse with Eduardo Alfred Aboitiz, Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Vice President for Water Business, following a thorough review by the City’s PPP Council.
The mayor noted that demand for potable water continues to climb alongside Iloilo’s economic expansion, citing ongoing development and business activities.
He also expressed concern over persistent gastroenteritis cases in several barangays, which health officials believe are linked to contaminated water sources—a consequence of inadequate access to clean water.
“This partnership will greatly benefit our people. We need to ensure that every household and establishment has access to safe, sufficient water,” Treñas said.
The agreement will now be subject to deliberation and approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod before full implementation.
For his part, Aboitiz thanked the city for its collaboration and expressed hope that the project would deliver its promise of long-term water security.