Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following the Inspection of the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant

Thank you all very much. Allow me to greet some – [Please take your seats.]

Allow me to greet some of our guests who have joined us for today’s celebration. The Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh and the other members of the Diplomatic Corps that are here with us; Negros Occidental Governor Bong Lacson; Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya; Murcia Municipal Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas; DBP President Mike de Jesus; also accompanied by Miss Universe here, Gloria Diaz. At least nakaabot ka na na Sum-Ag now that you can say that –

Local Water Utilities Administrator Jose Moises Salonga; the Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc. and Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc. Chairman and President, Ryan Wesley Yapkianwee; officials and employees of Bacolod Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc. and Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc.; fellow workers in government; guests; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

I am very pleased to be able to join you today for the inauguration of the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant. It is an initiative that represents sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment in our country’s future.

As we all know, water is a precious resource that sustains our health and our life and enables economic activities. When water systems work, progress flows.

The Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant is a clear example of how the public and private sectors can work together to provide solutions.

Considered one of the largest water treatment facilities in the Negros Island Region, the Sum-Ag Water [Treatment] Plant strengthens Bacolod City’s long-term water security.

This facility supplies treated bulk water to Bacolod through the City Water District to ensure a reliable water supply for the city.

With the capacity to deliver up to 75 million liters of potable water per day, this project will benefit about 100,000 households, roughly half a million residents.

It would not be possible without the direction of Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc.

At the same time, the project benefited from international expertise, including water treatment and automation technology from Israel-based Watermatic International.

The 1.5-billion-peso investment, funded through shareholder equity with participants from Climate Fund Managers, the DBP, reflects our strong confidence in the infrastructure sector.

It demonstrates our country’s established position to make long-term investments succeed. It is particularly true for those aligned with climate resilience and with sustainable development.

Once again, I congratulate everyone who contributed to the completion of this facility.

Ladies and gentlemen, projects such as the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant remind us that as long as we work together, we can transform our communities for the better.

It reinforces this Administration’s direction to create well-planned, responsibly financed infrastructure for our people.

May our path ahead be clear, and the water that will flow in our communities nurture as we build a Bagong Pilipinas for all.

Thank you very much.

Mabuhay po kayo.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas.

[applause]

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