Manila Water Philippine Ventures ramps up El Niño preparedness

MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts a “very strong” El Niño that could persist until the first quarter of 2027, Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV), the Non-East Zone subsidiary of Manila Water Company, is intensifying its preparedness measures across its service areas nationwide to help ensure a reliable water supply amid projected prolonged dry weather.

According to Pagasa, up to 85 provinces across the country may experience dry conditions, dry spells, and drought from late October 2026 to March 2027 as the El Niño phenomenon continues to intensify. The weather bureau warned that the climatic event, characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, could significantly impact rainfall patterns and place increasing pressure on water resources nationwide.

In response, MWPV has activated a range of proactive measures across its 13 operating units serving communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, focusing on water source development, infrastructure resilience, operational readiness, and supply augmentation initiatives.

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READ: Manila Water better prepared than ever for strong El Niño

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In the case of Cebu province, Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for the region through proactive preparedness measures and strategic infrastructure investments as Metropolitan Cebu continues to face water supply challenges posed by severe dry weather conditions and looming impacts of a very strong El Niño.

MWPV-Cebu is currently delivering 30.3 million liters of potable water per day and has the capability to provide additional 7.5 million liters of potable water per day for Metro Cebu for approximately 12,000 households, helping address increasing water demand and El Niño while maintaining service reliability across its partner water districts.

Despite prevailing dry season conditions, the Company’s water source remains stable, with water continuing to overflow from the weir, demonstrating the resilience of its supply system and the ability to consistently meet current production requirements while complying with water quality standards.

To strengthen water availability during periods of prolonged dry weather, MWPV has implemented a range of El Niño preparedness initiatives. These include continuous monitoring and rehabilitation of deep wells and surface water sources, preventive maintenance programs, optimization of reservoir utilization, and the exploration of new water source projects.

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The company has also readied water tankers and mobile treatment plants, enhanced backwash recovery programs in its treatment facilities, and prepared standby deep wells to help augment supply when needed.

To address future water demand and reinforce supply resilience, MWPV is preparing to undertake a major water supply infrastructure project through the development of a new source facility, treatment, and pumping station facility

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The new infrastructure is expected to deliver an additional of at least 12.5 million liters of water supply per day to approximately 20,000 households, further boosting the reliability and resilience of Metro Cebu’s water system. [RM1.1]

“The combination of our current supply reliability, robust El Niño preparedness measures, and planned capacity expansion provides support to Metro Cebu’s growing water requirements. We are not only addressing today’s needs but also laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable water future for the region,” said Ruby Rose Mercado, General Manager of MWPV-Cebu.

READ: Manila Water bolsters system readiness vs looming severe El Niño

Through proactive planning, infrastructure development, and responsible resource management, MWPV continues to work closely with its partners to help secure the long-term water future of Metro Cebu and support the region’s residential, commercial, and industrial growth.

Similar to its parent company, Manila Water, which has long prepared Metro Manila’s East Zone for the potential impacts of a strong El Nino, MWPV remains committed to safeguarding water security through proactive planning, diversified water sources, operational readiness, and strategic infrastructure investments the way it has prepared its other operating units nationwide such as Metro Ilagan Water, Calasiao Water, Laguna Water, Laguna Aquatech and Tanauan Water in Luzon; Boracay Water and Calbayog Water in the Visayas and Tagum Water in Mindanao; as well as Manila Water’s B2B operating units Estate Water and Manila Water Infratech Solutions.

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Through these initiatives, the company continues to strengthen its ability to provide reliable water services and support the long-term sustainability and growth of the communities it serves.