Korean firm brings water infrastructure to North

South Korean state-run firm Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) has partnered with several Philippine government agencies to develop water infrastructure in Northern Luzon, targeting new towns and urban expansion areas.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) announced on Wednesday that K-water signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 22 April in Clark with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Poro Point Management Corporation, John Hay Management Corporation, and the Provincial Government of Pampanga.

The agreement outlines collaboration for water infrastructure development in Pampanga, La Union, and Benguet as part of the Philippines' ongoing bases conversion projects—initiatives transforming former U.S. military bases into new urban developments.

Recent development has been focused on New Clark City, a flagship project, though challenges have emerged, especially in ensuring adequate access to clean and sustainable water for growing communities.

To help address these issues, K-water will deploy its globally recognized Smart Water Network Management system, tailoring its advanced water supply management technologies to the unique conditions in the Philippines.

“With our advanced water management technology, we aim to deliver safe and reliable infrastructure that can withstand climate challenges and fulfill our role as a trusted economic partner to the Philippines,” said K-water CEO Yun Seog-dae, in a statement provided by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.

Initial implementation will involve sending K-water experts to the Philippines to evaluate existing infrastructure and plan accordingly.

Beyond infrastructure, K-water is also strengthening community ties. On 23 April, the company organized a clothing donation campaign in partnership with Bahay Tuluyan, a Manila-based NGO serving children and vulnerable families.

Held at Bahay Tuluyan’s Malate community center, the campaign distributed donated clothing collected by K-water employees in Korea to underserved communities in Manila.

“This initiative highlights our dedication to social contribution through ESG-driven programs and reinforces our holistic approach to international partnerships,” the KCC noted.