Metro Pacific Water Solutions (MPWS), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Water (MPW), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan-based Hitachi Ltd., to explore joint projects in the water and wastewater management sector.

The partnership seeks to address the country’s critical wastewater challenges, with only 10 percent of wastewater currently treated, posing risks to public health and the environment.

The government aims to increase wastewater treatment coverage to 80 percent by 2028, signaling an urgent need for private-sector collaboration to achieve this target.

Persistent problem addressed

“We are excited to be partnering with Hitachi Asia Ltd. to explore potential wastewater management projects in the Philippines,” MPWS president Christopher Andrew Pangilinan said over the weekend.

“Hitachi is a leader in providing innovative solutions, and we believe that their expertise will be invaluable as we work to address the challenges in the wastewater management sector in the Philippines.”

MPWS serves a range of industrial and commercial clients. Hitachi Asia Ltd., meanwhile, brings cutting-edge technologies, including redesigned desalination capabilities, advanced wastewater treatment and artificial intelligence solutions for facility monitoring.

Under the MoU, the companies will explore initiatives such as the development of new wastewater treatment plants, upgrading existing facilities for improved capacity and introducing advanced treatment technologies to improve operational efficiency and enhance sustainability across the sector.

“Water is a basic source of living; unfortunately, some in our region still lack access to a stable and clean supply of water,” said Chay Wee Tang, COO of Hitachi Asia Ltd.

“We are honored to join Metro Pacific Water Solutions in solving water shortages, ensuring reliable access and sustainability. At Hitachi, we are driven by a commitment to innovate for a better, more inclusive future.”