SJDM LGU appoints Metro Pacific Water as temporary interim operator, signals readiness for long-term investment

San Jose del Monte, Bulacan (June 5, 2026) – The City Government of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan has appointed Metro Pacific Water (MPW), a wholly owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), as its temporary partner interim operator for the water distribution operations of the San Jose del Monte Water District under an initial two-month consultancy contract.

The City Government and MPW signed an Operations and Maintenance Agreement on May 20, 2026, following the local government’s interim management of water supply operations from the San Jose del Monte Water District and PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. last May 5, 2026.

The appointment of MPW as interim operator is in line with City Ordinance No. 2026-03-012, which authorizes the city government to undertake emergency procurement and appoint an interim operator tasked to stabilize the water distribution system for as long as the emergency persists.

Under the agreement, MPW will operate the water service system on an interim basis while conducting a technical and operational assessment of its current condition. This includes reviewing the state of pipelines, pumping stations, and other factors affecting distribution. The assessment will allow MPW and the city government to identify the causes of the water service problems and recommend investments for longer-term water infrastructure projects to improve water supply for residents.

The selection of MPW follows the city government’s due diligence process, led by its technical working group, which assessed the operational track record, service standards, technical capabilities, and financial capacity of several water utility operators.

As part of the assessment, the city government reviewed and visited the operations and facilities of various water service providers, including Metro Pacific Water in Dumaguete City, Hanabana Water Corp. in Cagayan de Oro City, Pamana Water in Nueva Ecija and Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. in Negros Occidental.

“This milestone is not only about changing the operator. It is about restoring accountability, proper service, and dignity to every family that has long endured the city’s water problems. We ask for a little time and continued cooperation as we carry out the rehabilitation and necessary changes in the system. You can be assured that your local government will not stop until we achieve the water service that every household deserves,” Mayor Florida “Ate Rida” Robes said.

According to the city government, MPW was selected for its over 25 years of combined experience in water utility and wastewater treatment operations, access to capital, and capacity to undertake immediate system improvements and longer-term infrastructure upgrades.

“Water is among the most essential services for any growing city. The entry of Metro Pacific Water into San Jose del Monte reflects our broader commitment to support local governments in addressing critical infrastructure challenges that directly affect communities. We are here to rebuild confidence in the city’s water system,” MPIC Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“We are deeply grateful for the trust and confidence given to us by the City Government of San Jose del Monte. We recognize the urgency of the situation and understand how vital reliable water service is to the health, livelihood, and quality of life of every San Joseño. Metro Pacific Water is here today to show our commitment to bringing its technical expertise, operational experience, and investment capability to help the city progressively restore adequate and reliable water supply for its people,” MPW President and CEO Andrew Pangilinan said.

MPW and the City Government are in discussions on possible water infrastructure projects that will support San Jose del Monte’s longer-term water supply and distribution needs. These discussions are to be guided by the findings of the technical and operational assessment to ensure that future investments respond to the actual requirements of the system.

The City Government of San Jose del Monte is targeting to restore adequate and reliable water supply to every household within one year.

“While there are immediate steps we can take to help stabilize operations, the full rehabilitation and improvement of the city’s water distribution system will take time, sustained investment, and close coordination with the city government,” Pangilinan added. MPW has previously allotted P3.81 billion in capital expenditures in 2026 alone for water system upgrades in Dumaguete City and Iloilo City, reflecting its capacity to support large-scale water infrastructure improvements.