San Jose del Monte, Bulacan LGU taps MetroPac Water to take over water supply ops

The local government of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on Friday announced it has tapped Metro Pacific Water to be the interim operator for the water distribution operations of the San Jose del Monte Water District after the city government took over the management of the city’s water supply from Prime Water.

In a statement, the SJDM local government unit (LGU) said it signed an Operations and Maintenance Agreement with MetroPac Water - a wholly owned unit of Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) - last May 20, 2026.

Under the agreement, MetroPac Water will operate the water service system on an interim basis, under an initial two-month consultancy contract, while conducting a technical and operational assessment of its current condition.

This includes reviewing the state of pipelines, pumping stations, and other factors affecting distribution.

The assessment will allow MetroPac Water and the city government to identify the causes of the water service problems and recommend investments for longer-term water infrastructure projects to improve water supply for residents.

The SJDM LGU said the appointment of MetroPac Water as interim partner operator is in line with City Ordinance No. 2026-03-012, which authorizes the city government to undertake emergency procurement and appoint an interim operator tasked to stabilize the water distribution system for as long as the emergency persists.

“Water is among the most essential services for any growing city. The entry of Metro Pacific Water into San Jose del Monte reflects our broader commitment to support local governments in addressing critical infrastructure challenges that directly affect communities. We are here to rebuild confidence in the city’s water system,” said MPIC Chairman, President and CEO Manuel Pangilinan.

The SJDM LGU said the selection of MetroPac Water followed the city government’s due diligence process, led by its technical working group, which assessed the operational track record, service standards, technical capabilities, and financial capacity of several water utility operators.

“This milestone is not only about changing the operator. It is about restoring accountability, proper service, and dignity to every family that has long endured the city’s water problems. We ask for a little time and continued cooperation as we carry out the rehabilitation and necessary changes in the system. You can be assured that your local government will not stop until we achieve the water service that every household deserves,” said SJDM Mayor Florida Robes.

The SJDM LGU said MetroPac Water was selected for its over 25 years of combined experience in water utility and wastewater treatment operations, access to capital, and capacity to undertake immediate system improvements and longer-term infrastructure upgrades. — BAP, GMA News