Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri announced Thursday that Hungary is poised to finalize a $33-million (approximately P1.9 billion) loan agreement with the Philippines to fund key water treatment and desalination projects across the country.

The announcement follows the courtesy visit of Hungarian National Assembly Speaker László Kövér to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on 15 October at the Philippine Senate, where the high-level officials discussed deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in water infrastructure development.

Zubiri, who also heads the Philippines–Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group, emphasized the significance of the project in addressing the growing water needs of Filipino communities — especially those in coastal and rural areas where freshwater access remains limited.

“This project is very important because it brings real solutions to local water access. Hungary’s experience in water management can help us a great deal,” Zubiri said.

Speaker Kövér confirmed during the meeting that discussions have reached an advanced stage, and the final agreement is now awaiting a response from the Philippine side.

“We are talking about a loan project worth $33 million for water treatment, water cleaning, and desalination,” Kövér said through an interpreter. “We are close to signing the agreement and are waiting for your response to the latest draft.”

Senate President Sotto welcomed the proposal, citing the contrasting water resources between the two nations.

“While Hungary may be blessed with abundant freshwater, the Philippines is surrounded by the opposite,” Sotto pointed out. 

“On the contrary, in the Philippines, we have an abundance of saltwater. We welcome so much the proposal to help us build desalination plants,” he added. 

Hungary, known for its advanced water management technologies and more than a century of expertise in the field, has expressed willingness to share this knowledge with the Philippines. 

Kövér said Hungary’s capabilities extend from flood control to drought management and sewer treatment — areas where the Philippines stands to benefit greatly amid worsening climate conditions.

Zubiri highlighted the project as part of Hungary’s broader commitment to help developing nations improve sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience.

“Climate change affects us all. Partnerships like this give us access to both technology and expertise,” he said. “We can learn from Hungary’s long history in water management.”

Aside from water infrastructure, Kövér expressed optimism about the overall trajectory of Philippines–Hungary relations, pointing to increased diplomatic and parliamentary exchanges in recent years.

“I am very hopeful that we have continued to strengthen relations, not only between our countries but also between our parliaments,” Kövér said, noting that Zubiri was the first senior Filipino official to visit Hungary officially.

Zubiri, in turn, praised Hungary’s continued support for the Philippines, including humanitarian aid, scholarships, and job opportunities for overseas Filipino workers in agriculture and IT.

“This latest initiative will not only benefit our people but also open doors for more cooperation in sustainability and economic development,” Zubiri added.

He said the proposed loan agreement would be instrumental in modernizing water infrastructure, especially in the provinces.

“If this pushes through, we will be able to build better and safer water systems in the provinces,” he said in Filipino. “We can provide cleaner and safer water for more Filipinos.”

If finalized, the $33-million loan agreement will mark a major milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to secure access to clean water and strengthen its defenses against the impacts of climate change.