Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) reached out to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) to explore the revival of the botched concession agreement. PGP and the consortium of MWPV remain open to explore partnership on water supply for the province even after the concession agreement has been deemed mutually terminated at the close of 2023. This presents an opportunity to revisit the conditions precedent of the old contract and renew partnership for the benefit of Pangasinenses.

Pangasinan, as one of the most populous provinces in the Philippines (7^th according to the 2020 census of the Philippine Statistics Authority, with a total population of 3,163,190 which comprise 2.9% of the country’s total population) and one of the largest in terms of land area (Pangasinan covers a total land area of 545,101 hectares, constituting 41.89% of the Ilocos Region’s total land area), has been considered as a haven for investments in the recent years.

To support the province’s economic growth, both parties recognize that adequate water infrastructure is vital. Manila Water Non-East Zone Chief Operating Officer Melvin Tan says Manila Water continues to expand its footprints in the country’s top metropolitan cities, including Pangasinan.

Currently, the Company has an operating unit in Calasiao, a municipality in Pangasinan, which was established through a 25-year joint venture agreement with the Calasiao Water District. Calasiao Water is undertaking the development, rehabilitation, financing, operation, management, and maintenance of water facilities in Calasiao to serve more than 95,000 people of 24 barangays.

As stated by Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III during his inaugural speech, he is eyeing the establishment of more economic zones in the province to boost the economy, saying that a vibrant economy also means more job opportunities for Pangasinenses. Citing the initiatives of the Governor towards strengthening the position of Pangasinan as an investment hub include the creation of a dedicated office to assist would-be investors in Pangasinan.

The province has created the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO) to speed up the process, application, and approval of investments in the province.

Last year, the PGP signed a joint venture and toll concession agreements for the P34-B Pangasinan Link Expressway project (PLEX) which yielded positive results in terms of economy, livelihood opportunities, business, and connectivity, boosting the province’s tourism industry.