Aboitiz InfraCapital at the forefront of innovative, sustainable water infra solutions with Davao City Water District partnership

The Aboitiz Group, through its infrastructure arm Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) is championing the country’s capability to implement innovative and sustainable solutions to address a common global challenge ー access to clean and safe water ー at the  Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) 2021 Digital Symposium held last March 10-12 (Manila time).

In a panel discussion with global business leaders, AIC President and CEO Cosette Canilao presented the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a landmark public-private partnership project with Davao City Water District (DCWD) that would serve as the newest sustainable source of water for the Davaoeños.

The water project, led by Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua), a joint venture between AIC and J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC), will make use of Tamugan River as a more sustainable surface water source for Davao City. Using the water energy nexus concept, Tamugan river will also be the source of energy for the treatment plant, the first of its kind in the country. A run-of-river hydroelectric power plant will generate over two megawatts of renewable energy to power the water treatment process, making the facility self-sufficient.

“The Aboitiz Group believes in striking a balance between the interests of people, planet, and profit, and that is why it has made proactive investments to ensure that our success in business continues to bring meaningful societal change.”

- Canilao said, adding one of these investments is Apo Agua.

The need for a new water source in Davao City comes as it experiences fast-paced economic growth and a steady increase in population. In order to maintain this growth, the rising water demand will have to be met in a sustainable manner.

Sourcing water from the river is considered a more sustainable solution than extracting groundwater from production wells which could result in drying up the wells, salt water intrusion on the water table, and land subsidence or the sinking of the land surface due to underground water loss.

Through the partnership with DCWD, Apo Agua will build, operate, and maintain facilities that will provide over one million Davaoeños with at least 300 million liters of treated water per day over a period of 30 years. This makes it one of the largest bulk water supply projects in the country.

Apo Agua is also supporting various environmental initiatives and community programs to ensure sustainability and inclusive development. The project also provides other indirect benefits to host communities such as local job creation, development and improvement of roads, and electrification of neighboring areas.

With its massive scale and unique components that champion innovation and sustainability, Aboitiz InfraCapital is looking at replicating this public-private partnership with other water districts and cities.