PNoy graces historic signing of Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project
CITY OF MALOLOS – After more than five decades of waiting, the dreams of Bulakenyos to benefit from fresh water supply from their own watershed is now starting to materialize as the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and San Miguel Corporation – Korea Water Resources Corp. (SMC-K) formalized their commitment to the “game changer” project in water services.
President Benigno S. Aquino III personally witnessed the historic realization of this dream as he graced the presentation of the concession agreement for the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project at the Barcie International Center in this city, this morning.
MWSS Administrator Gerardo Esquivel, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang led the signing of the concession agreement between MWSS and Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation.
The memorandum of agreement between MWSS and National Housing Authority, water districts and Provincial Government of Bulacan together with the managers of the different water districts in the province also signed and presented to President Aquino afterwards.
With a project cost of P17 billion, the SMC-K Water consortium offered the lowest bulk water charge of P8.50 per cubic meter, beating the offers of Prime Alloy Water Consortium and Team Polaris-Manila Water Consortium.
The winning bidder will also finance the project and undertake the detailed design and construction, maintain the conveyance facilities, treatment facilities and water source during a 32-year concession period.
The president said that his administration has been focusing on the vital needs of the Filipino people and one of this is the abundant flow of fresh potable water and other measures to address the ill effects of climate change and global warming.
He also thanked Alvarado, Esquivel and Ang for working together in the realization of this major project that will set the benchmark for other water districts and private proponents as far as bulk water supply charges are concerned.
“Ito na po ang pagtugon at pagsisilbing tapat sa ating mga boss. Naniniwala po ako na ang ating itinanim ay patuloy na magbubunga ng maganda dahil batid po ng ating mga kababayan ang matuwid na landas,” the president said.
Meanwhile, Alvarado, who initiated the project, said that it will also open many job opportunities when the winning bidder begins the pipe-laying phase of the project.
“Finally, Bulakenyos will now surely have fresh mountain water supply flowing in their homes. This blessing will also spur development and will generate job opportunities for our people,” Alvarado said.
The governor also explained that the bulk water project will help 24 water districts in Bulacan to meet the increasing water demand of their consumers and expand their service area coverage.
He also thanked President Aquino for this latest blessing, adding that the people of Bulacan will also not forget his concern in expediting the repair and strengthening of the 47-year-old Angat dam which is now on-going.
Prior to this, the president also attended the 3rd Global Social Summit and 13th Anniversary of Gawad Kalinga in Angat that focused on addressing global challenges in the context of inclusive growth of the country.