WATER CONCESSION DEAL. Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Lambino, Governor Ramon Guico III and Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre (from left) said in a press conference on Monday (Jan. 29, 2024) that they are open to a renegotiation of the terminated water concession deal with Manila Water Company. Manila Water announced on Jan. 3 that the supposed 25-year deal is off since Dec. 31, 2023 “due to non-fulfillment of conditions” by the provincial government. (PNA photo by Hilda Austria)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Officials of the provincial government of Pangasinan and the Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWVP) are set to meet within this quarter to discuss the possibility of reviving the water concession deal, which was terminated in December last year.
"As disclosed by Governor (Ramon V) Guico (III), his administration is not against the project, as the PGP’s (Provincial Governemnt of Pangasinan) thrust is to invite more investors that could produce more revenues for the province," the Pangasinan Provincial Information Office said in a press statement on Monday.
Pangasinan, then headed by Gov. Amado Espino III, and the consortium of MWVP, signed a PHP8 billion water concession agreement on Jan. 14, 2022 for a 25-year bulk water supply.
However, the agreement was terminated after Manila Water Company Inc. cited alleged misgivings on the part of the provincial government.
In a statement obtained by the Philippine News Agency on Monday, the MWPV said it has reached out to the provincial government for the revival of the water concession deal
“The provincial government of Pangasinan 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,” it said.
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 said Manila Water continues to expand its footprints in the country’s top metropolitan cities, including Pangasinan.
Currently, the MWC has an operating unit in Calasiao town, which was established through a 25-year joint venture agreement with the Calasiao Water District. (PNA)
