Talisay City Gets a Boost in Water Supply from Israel-Based Watermatic International

Talisay City will have more water supply than any other locality in the urban Metro Cebu area in the next two years.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has entered into a bulk water supply agreement with Israel-based Watermatic International Ltd., and Tubig Pilipinas, Inc. to provide an additional water supply “exclusively” for Talisay City.

The agreement was signed last August 8, 2023, at the congressional office of Rep. Rhea Gullas in Minglanilla town along with Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Esty Buzgan.

This 25-year partnership aims to deliver an additional daily supply of at least 15,000 cubic meters, and up to a maximum of 50,000 cubic meters, purchased at P58 per cubic meter, exclusively to Talisay City.

“This increased supply will ensure a more reliable water source for the residents of the city,” the water utility said in a statement.

Watermatic International Ltd. will be responsible for installing approximately 6.2 kilometers of pipelines from the processing plant to two injection points. These injection points are located on N Bacalso Ave near Pooc Road and Rafael Rabaya St., near the intersection with Ilang Ilang St. in Barangay Lagtang.

“The bulk water supplier is expected to commence water delivery within 24 months from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.”

“The advanced water processing technology employed guarantees that the water sourced from the Mananga River, near MCWD’s weir in Jaclupan, meets the highest quality standards, satisfying the needs of consumers.”

MCWD said the Watermatic’s primary responsibility will involve processing excess water or run-off collected from the Jaclupan weir.

“I would like to congratulate you because whatever you sign today is going to be the beginning of a better life for the citizens of Talisay. I know water is one of the most valuable resources and you did a big thing for your people because the way I see it, it’s a connection between people to people,” Buzgan said in her speech after the signing.

At the end of the 25-year contract or when the contracted volume of 136,875,000 is already delivered, the facility will be turned over to the MCWD.

“The water supply initiative is primarily intended for the City of Talisay. I hope that the inclusion of the facility turnover provision, along with technology transfer, sets a precedent for future endeavors. Rather than being a one-time occurrence, these types of provisions should establish a model for other capital-intensive projects, such as Bulk Water Supply Agreements,” MCWD General Manager Edgar Donoso said.

Talisay City is the largest in-house surface water source for the MCWD because of the Jaclupan Facility.