Calasiao Water marked a significant milestone with the commencement of its operations and delivery of bulk water supply to an initial four out of 24 barangays served by the Calasiao Water District, through a ceremonial commissioning of the rehabilitated Ambuetel Deepwell Facility in Calasiao, Pangasinan.

Manila Water Company, Inc. has earlier formed a joint venture agreement with the water district for a 25-year project that will improve and expand the provision of water supply in the municipality of Calasiao. The partnership, which is expected to serve more than 95,000 people in 24 barangays, will be focused on the rehabilitation of the water district’s existing water system in its first few years.

The landmark event was graced by Manila Water President and CEO Ferdinand Dela Cruz, Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) Group Director for Subsidiary Operations Abelardo Basilio, Calasiao Municipal Mayor Joseph Arman Bauzon, Calasiao Vice Mayor Mahadeva Das Mesina, Calasiao Water District General Manager Gerardo Navarro, and other officials and representatives from the water district, the municipal and local governments, and MWPV.

According to Operations Manager Mabelle Amatorio, “The completion of the Ambuetel Deepwell Facility further ignites Calasiao Water’s commitment to deliver solutions to the water problem of our customers. This marks the start of the fulfillment of our dream to ensure that no home in Calasiao is left wanting for a reliable source of potable water.”

Originally built in 2010, the restored Ambuetel Deepwell Facility has the capacity to bring 1.75 million liters per day of clean and safe supply that is compliant with the Philippine National Standards of Drinking Water. The rehabilitated water system consists of a submersible pump, overhead tank, water treatment facility and a 25-kilometer network which can readily serve existing and future customers of the water district. Presently, the facility is prepared to deliver water service to about 3,000 households or 15,000 people in Barangays Ambuetel, Nagsaing, Lumbang and Doyong.

“These accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of the local government and the effective management of the water district,” said Abelardo Basilio, Group Director for Subsidiary Operations of Manila Water Philippine Ventures. “We now have an accelerated plan to expand the service to all 24 barangays and we are up for the challenge.”

For his part, Calasiao Mayor Bauzon reaffirmed the government’s commitment in supporting the public-private partnership. “Rest assured that we will be here to support Manila Water and Calasiao Water’s every move. We started with four barangays and I’m very thankful for the very quick response of the team. I now challenge Calasiao Water to be the source of water supply for all townspeople in the 24 barangays in the municipality.”