MIWD GM Speaks in Iloilo Water Dialogue Forum
The Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) once more partakes in another momentous gathering of water resources and economics veterans during the Water Dialogue Forum held on June 19, 2025, at the Diversion 21 Hotel. Organized by the Iloilo Business Club, various stakeholders from both public and private sectors convened to address Iloilo’s water concerns. The forum underscored the urgency of sustainable water management in the region, a priority echoed by the presence of key officials including Mayor Jerry Treñas himself, who was in attendance with his message serving as a rallying cry for the water industry sector. MIWD’s participation emphasized its continued importance in Iloilo’s water sector, particularly in navigating its evolved role following the joint venture with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.
During the forum, MIWD and its Joint Venture (JV) company, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, presented comprehensive updates on infrastructure efforts and water distribution progress. While Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’ COO Mr David Berba detailed strides in pipeline rehabilitation and network expansion, MIWD clarified its pivotal transformation—from a direct service provider to a regulatory body tasked with overseeing the JV agreement. This shift allows MIWD to focus on accountability and governance, marking a new chapter in its long-standing history since its inception in 1920.
Serving as one of the Speakers and Panelists for the forum, MIWD General Manager Alfredo Tayo, III, CESE, highlighted the importance of the JV Agreement between the MIWD and the Metro Pacific Water Investments Corporation (MWIC)—which resulted in the creation of the MPIW and MIB–was a strategic move to bridge long-standing technological and financial limitations. Rather than hinder its influence, this new arrangement empowers MIWD to fulfill a much more focused role in monitoring service quality, contract compliance, infrastructure milestones, and water safety. By stepping back from the operational front lines, MIWD can now zero in on ensuring that service delivery meets the public’s expectations—ultimately improving water access and reliability across Iloilo.
This renewed role is timely, as Western Visayas faces growing concerns despite currently surpassing global water stress thresholds. As emphasized by Iloilo Business Club President Emil Diez, water challenges are multifaceted, affecting health, agriculture, and climate resilience. With over 200 stakeholders convening to shape the region’s water future, the MIWD’s regulatory oversight function ensures that long-term goals outlined in the Western Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023–2028 are met. Owing to its critical role in conjunction with the MPIW and the MIB, the MIWD yet remains an important cornerstone in safeguarding Iloilo’s water security amid increasing demands and environmental challenges.
The Water Dialogue 2025’s attendance luminaries and panelists include: Atty. Lester Anonuevo, Deputy of Legal Service, Public-Private Partnership Center; Edgardo M. Rostata, Assistant Regional Director, DENR VI; Hon. Roderick M. Planta, Assistant Secretary, Dept. of Economy, Planning and Development; Engr. Arecio A. Casing, Jr., Regional Director, NEDA-VI; Dr. Raul N. Banias, Provincial Administrator, Office of the Provincial Administrator (for Governor Art Defensor), Hon. Carlos Bernanrdo O. Abad Santos, Underscretary, Dept of Economy, Planning and Development; Atty. Jose Moises F. Salonga, Administrator, Loca Water Utilities Administration; Engr. Susan P. Abano, Chief of Policy and Program Division, National Water Resources Board; Emil S. Diez, President, Ioilo Business Club; Cosette V. Canilao, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., Melvin John M. Tan, CEO, Non-Ease Zone Phlilippines, Manila Water Company, Inc and Market Sector Lead – Water, Prime Infrasctucture Capital inc. and President and CEO, WAWAJVCO, Inc.