As part of its 140th founding anniversary, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) presented and unveiled “The Palafox Masterplan for the MWSS Water Eco-Tourism Hub,” a joint project of Manila Water and Maynilad in celebration of 20 years of successful partnership, at the MWSS Lobby last February 1.

Top architectural firm Palafox Associates led by world-class urban planner Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox was commissioned to transform the 79-hectare MWSS compound in Balara, Quezon City, into a multi-use environmentally compliant eco-tourism hub.

“This grand plan also jibes with our vision to build a water and environment institute to better serve the present and future generations,” said MWSS Administrator PDDG Reynaldo V. Velasco (Ret.). “Having proven that what we have is a successful public-private partnership in the last 20 years through a workable concession agreement, I am confident that this Palafox Master Plan will become a reality under the current administration.”

Velasco also thanked concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad for their support and contributions to the project. Manila Water President and CEO Ferdinand M. Dela Cruz added, “Water and sanitation services require a master plan, sustainable planning and really, a long-term view. With this master plan, we extend what we can do through MWSS by promoting good water and sanitation practices, and also utilizing this unique source of assets inside Balara.”

According to Palafox, the MWSS eco-tourism hub will be a model community envisioned to hold various facilities for commercial, cultural, educational and environmental purposes.