Marcos vows to strengthen water, sanitation infra in NCR

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday highlighted the administration's commitment to strengthen water and sanitation infrastructure across Metro Manila.

Marcos made the remark at the inauguration of the 60-million-liters-per-day (MLD) Aglipay Sewage Treatment Plant, which will serve a 2,115-hectare catchment area across Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Quezon City, benefiting more than 650,000 residents.

''At this scale, wastewater management and sanitation become essential foundations of public health, of environmental protection, and of sustainable development,'' Marcos said. 

''By reducing pollution flowing into rivers within its service area, this facility will improve local water quality. It also supports the long-term rehabilitation of Manila Bay by limiting the pollution load that eventually reaches our seas,'' he added. 

According to Marcos, more projects on water and wastewater facilities are in the pipeline. He said that five wastewater treatment plants across service areas are presently under construction.

He said these initiatives reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthen the water and sanitation infrastructure across Metro Manila and beyond.

''Guided by the Revised Concession Agreement under Republic Act Nos. 11600 and 11601, our goal is this: by 2047, 76% of households in Metro Manila, in Cavite, and Rizal will be connected to sewerage systems, while the remaining 24 percent will be covered by proper sanitation services,'' Marcos said.

''This means that no community is left without safe and responsible wastewater management,'' he added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News