A landmark public-private partnership between Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, and the Davao City Water District (DCWD) has redefined how a growing Philippine city secures, treats, and delivers clean water—offering a tested model that could help shape Iloilo City’s own water future.
Through Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), the country’s largest private bulk water supply project in the Philippines, currently provides Davaoeños with 300 million liters per day of potable water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The facility sources raw water from the Tamugan River, treats it to meet stringent national and international standards, and supplies it to DCWD for distribution to over one million households.
“Apo Agua’s partnership with the Davao City Water District shows that when the public and private sectors work together with clear roles and aligned goals, we can build solutions that are not only sustainable but also life-changing for communities. We believe Iloilo City can benefit from the same proven approach—one that delivers safe, reliable water today and safeguards supply for generations to come,” said Cosette V. Canilao, AIC President and Chief Executive Officer.
At the heart of Davao City’s success is the strong complementarity between AIC and DCWD—AIC focuses on sourcing and supplying bulk water, while DCWD manages distribution to households and businesses.
This well-designed structure aligns incentives for both parties to deliver tangible results. It further ensures transparency in operations and pricing, helping guarantee that Davao’s communities receive the highest level of service.
While the road to completion was not without obstacles—construction was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions—the DCBWSP construction pushed through with strict safety protocols and resumed work as soon as the strictest pandemic measures were lifted.
The result was a fully operating facility capable of meeting Davao City’s increasing water needs for decades.
“The success of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project lies in focusing on what each partner does best, and keeping the community’s needs at the center of every decision. AIC stands ready to bring to Iloilo City the same commitment, innovation, and transparency that have made Davao City’s water future secure,” said Eduardo V. Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Water Business.
A Model for Iloilo
For Iloilo City’s own Iloilo City Bulk Water Supply Project, the Apo Agua experience provides a proven blueprint for success, particularly in demonstrating the value of effective public–private collaboration.
AIC invested in, built, and now operates the bulk water facility, while DCWD undertook critical upgrades and expansions to its distribution network. The result is a resilient, transparent, and community-focused water ecosystem that meets long-term needs without overburdening the public.
Meanwhile, as the Iloilo City Bulk Water Supply Project moves forward in the bidding process, AIC will continue to work with its stakeholders to further lower production costs, ensuring delivery that is impactful, rates are reasonable for consumers, and beneficial to Iloilo City’s development as a whole.
