ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Global environmental services leader SUEZ, in partnership with prominent Philippine construction firm JEMCO, has commenced the construction of the Philippines' largest Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in Metro Iloilo. The project is a joint undertaking with Metro Pacific Water (MPW), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and a key investor in water and wastewater infrastructure. Expected to be completed within 24 months, this ambitious project aims to address the critical potable water shortage in the region and provide a sustainable and reliable water supply for the local community.

Metro Iloilo's existing freshwater sources have become severely strained, struggling to keep pace with the burgeoning demand. Seasonal variations in rainfall further exacerbate the limited replenishment of these sources, underscoring the urgent need for the development of alternative water resources to ensure long-term regional water security.

In response to this pressing water scarcity, Metro Pacific Water awarded SUEZ and JEMCO the contract for the design, construction, and operation of the SWRO desalination facility. This state-of-the-art plant will boast a production capacity of approximately 66,500 cubic meters per day. Over 97% of the treated water will be supplied as drinking water to an estimated 50,000 households. The remaining portion will be utilized for the production of demineralized water required for the operations of a nearby power plant.

With over 160 years of leadership in providing circular solutions for water and waste services, SUEZ brings to the project five decades of expertise in seawater desalination. The company has a proven track record, having designed and constructed more than 260 desalination plants worldwide. This latest facility will incorporate SUEZ’s cutting-edge technologies, notably the SeaDAF™ filter. This innovative system combines dissolved air flotation technology with a dual-media gravity filter to pre-treat the seawater, effectively removing algae, turbidity, suspended solids, and colloidal particles, thereby ensuring optimal feedwater quality for the reverse osmosis membranes. Its compact design also makes it well-suited for installations with space constraints.

This project marks another significant milestone in the robust partnership between SUEZ and JEMCO. The two companies previously collaborated successfully on a major water reuse facility project in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila. SUEZ benefits from a well-established local engineering platform and a team of skilled local professionals in the Philippines. This collaboration leverages SUEZ’s specialized expertise and technological prowess in seawater desalination with JEMCO’s extensive local experience and construction capabilities, creating a powerful synergy for the successful execution of this vital infrastructure project.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas hailed the project, stating, "This groundbreaking endeavor will ensure a continuous and reliable supply of potable water for our Ilonggo constituents, thereby enhancing their quality of life while simultaneously strengthening Iloilo's infrastructure and fostering economic growth."

Christopher Andrew B. Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Water CEO and President, affirmed MPW’s commitment to sustainable water solutions, emphasizing that it is at the core of this project. "This underscores our dedication to supporting the rapid growth and development of Iloilo. This innovative and sustainable desalination facility will provide a long-term solution to Iloilo's water challenges," he said.

Augusto F. Manalo, JEMCO President and CEO, underscored the project's significance for the region, noting, "The large-scale Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant in Metro Iloilo holds immense importance for the region and stands as a significant milestone as the largest of its kind in the Philippines. We extend our gratitude to Metro Pacific Water Investments Corporation for entrusting us with the opportunity to undertake this crucial infrastructure project. We are also proud to collaborate once again with SUEZ, a global leader in sustainable resource management. Contributing significantly to nation-building has always been JEMCO’s mission, and we believe that our participation in such projects further strengthens this commitment."

Pierre Pauliac, SUEZ Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Water, commented, "Given the critical water scarcity in the region, we are committed to leveraging our 50 years of global expertise and technological know-how in seawater desalination to secure a reliable and dependable water supply for our client. This collaboration is a testament to the trust our partners and clients place in us and represents a new step in SUEZ’s expansion in Southeast Asia."

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