President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently inspected the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant in the Municipality of Murcia, Negros Island, supporting essential water infrastructure to promote public health, climate resilience and long-term economic growth.
The event was attended by Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc. (TPGI), a Philippine water platform; and Climate Fund Managers (CFM), a climate-focused investment manager supported by the European Union (EU) and the Netherlands. Representatives from the European Union Delegation and the Netherlands Embassy were also present.
Developed by TPGI through its subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI), the Sum-Ag facility and Caliban Intake add 25 million liters per day (MLD) of potable water supply to Bacolod City’s water system under a long-term supply arrangement with the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA). This improves access to safe, reliable water for 180,000 people amid recurring water shortages.
BBWI has supplied potable water to Bacolod City since 2017 through its Ngalan Water Treatment Plant, which provides up to 25 MLD. The Sum-Ag and Caliban facilities represent the next phase of expansion to strengthen supply reliability and help address recurring water shortages in the city.
CFM’s investment in TPGI is made through Climate Investor Two (CI2), a USD1 billion (PHP59.4 billion) blended finance facility focused on water, waste, and oceans infrastructure in emerging markets, supported by the European Union with a USD12.5 million (PHP738 million) window dedicated to mobilizing investments for the Philippines. CFM is a joint venture between Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO and Sanlam InfraWorks of South Africa.
Climate Investor Two provided USD6.9 million (PHP410 million) in development funding, and further invested USD14.2 million (PHP844 million) in TPGI through its Construction Equity Fund in exchange for a 15% minority stake in the platform, supporting five additional water district projects in TPGI’s portfolio.
Across the Philippines, growing urban demand and climate-related pressures are increasing the need for resilient water infrastructure. Currently, only around 48% of the population receives safely managed or piped water services. In Bacolod City, in particular, maintaining a consistent water supply has been a recurrent challenge, with some areas experiencing low pressure and periodic water rationing.
TPGI develops and operates water infrastructure across the Philippines, including potable water supply, distribution, and wastewater treatment solutions, with a focus on expanding access to reliable services outside Metro Manila. The Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant is an important step in strengthening essential water infrastructure for fast-growing communities such as Bacolod City.
(photos courtesy of CFM)
