Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri announced that Hungary is close to finalizing a $33-million (P1.9 billion) loan to the Philippines for water treatment and desalination projects aimed at improving access to clean water and enhancing climate resilience.
The announcement came during the courtesy visit of Hungarian National Assembly Speaker László Kövér to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
Zubiri, also president of the Philippines-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the project will especially benefit coastal areas where freshwater is limited.
“Napakahalaga ng proyektong ito dahil it will bring real solutions to local water access, especially in coastal areas where freshwater is limited. Hungary’s experience in water management can help us a great deal,” he said.
Kövér confirmed that discussions are in their final stages and the two countries are close to signing the agreement.
“We are talking about a loan project worth $33 million and the funds are to be used for water treatment, water cleaning and desalination,” he said.
Sotto welcomed the offer, noting the Philippines’ need for desalination due to its surrounding saltwater.
Hungary, with over 100 years of experience in water systems—from flood control to drought management—sees this as a key partnership opportunity.IMT
