Murcia: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday inspected the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant in Murcia, Negros Occidental, hailing it as a model of sound infrastructure planning and responsible public spending, as the government continues to confront issues of corruption and substandard works in public infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, after inspecting the PHP1.5-billion facility, Marcos emphasized the essential role of safe and reliable water in protecting public health and supporting economic growth. He remarked that the initiative represents sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment in the country's future. The President noted the significance of water as a vital resource that sustains health, lives, and economic activities, stating that progress flows when water systems function effectively.
The Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant, considered one of the largest in the Negros Island Region, significantly bolsters Bacolod City's long-term water security. Marcos mentioned that the facility supplies treated bulk water to Bacolod City through the City Water District, ensuring a more reliable water supply for the area. With a capacity of up to 75 million liters of potable water per day, the plant is expected to benefit around 100,000 households or approximately 500,000 residents in Bacolod City and the municipality of Murcia.
Marcos acknowledged Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc., for realizing the project. He also recognized the contribution of international expertise, including water treatment and automation technology from Israel-based Watermatic International, to the initiative's success. The PHP1.5-billion investment, funded through shareholder equity with participation from Climate Fund Managers and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), reflects strong confidence in the country's infrastructure sector, according to the President.
He highlighted the country's established position to make long-term investments succeed, particularly those aligned with climate resilience and sustainable development. Marcos also stressed the importance of public-private sector partnerships in addressing the country's development challenges, reaffirming the administration's commitment to delivering well-planned infrastructure that directly benefits the people. He noted that projects like the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant demonstrate the potential to transform communities positively when there is collaboration, reinforcing the administration's direction towards creating well-planned, responsibly financed infrastructure for the nation.
