President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday inspected the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant in Murcia, Negros Occidental, hailing it as a model of sound infrastructure planning and responsible public spending, as the government continues to confront issues of corruption and substandard works in public infrastructure.

Speaking after inspecting the PHP1.5-billion facility, Marcos underscored that safe and dependable water is essential to protecting public health and sustaining economic growth.

“It is an initiative that represents sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment in our country’s future,” he said.

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

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

“This facility supplies treated bulk water to Bacolod City through the City Water District to ensure a more reliable water supply for the city,” the Chief Executive said.

The facility has a capacity of up to 75 million liters of potable water per day and is expected to benefit around 100,000 households, or approximately 500,000 residents in Bacolod City and the municipality of Murcia.

Marcos acknowledged Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc., for making the project possible.

He also recognized the contribution of international expertise, including water treatment and automation technology from Israel-based Watermatic International, to the initiative’s success.

The PHP1.5-billion investment, funded through shareholder equity with participation from Climate Fund Managers and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), reflects strong confidence in the country’s infrastructure sector, Marcos said.

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

The President also underscored the importance of public-private sector partnerships in addressing the country’s development challenges and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering “well-planned” infrastructure that directly benefits the people.

“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,” Marcos said.

“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.” (PNA)