Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, underscored the need for a unified effort among the government, private sector, academe, and civil society to address Cebu’s growing water supply and demand challenges.

As Cebu’s economy continues to grow, AIC emphasized the importance of enhancing water availability and reliability through sustainable infrastructure solutions.

“Solving Cebu’s water challenges cannot be done overnight. This requires a multi-pronged approach involving both medium- and long-term solutions,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Water, Eduardo “Dudes” V. Aboitiz, in his plenary speech during the recent Cebu Water Summit held at bai Hotel, Mandaue City., Cebu.

During the summit, AIC Water highlighted public-private partnerships (PPPs) as an effective model for developing large-scale infrastructure projects. PPPs, which involve collaboration between government and private entities to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain infrastructure, are seen as key to addressing the water needs of rapidly growing regions like Cebu.

AIC Water explained that PPPs combine the innovation and investment from the private sector, and accountability and oversight from the government.

The company also expressed its openness to explore potential partnerships with local governments in Cebu to address the water situation.

“We Cebuanos, in the government, academe, and private sector, have one clear choice: work together to secure our water future. Because when we do, we have a greater chance of succeeding,” Aboitiz said.

According to AIC Water, an example of its successful PPP is Apo Agua  – a partnership between AIC Water and the Davao City Water District (DCWD).  Since beginning commercial operations in February 2024, Apo Agua now supplies 70% of DCWD’s water requirements, resulting in 24/7 water availability for 96% of customers, and improving the quality of life for Davaoeños.

AIC Water said it envisions replicating the success of Apo Agua in Cebu in the future.

Currently, AIC Water’s presence in Cebu comprises end-to-end water and wastewater services serving MEZ2 Estate in Lapu-Lapu City and West Cebu Estate in Balamban. With a combined water production capacity of 7.7 MLD which serves the requirements of both MEZ2 and West Cebu Estate.

Last June 2025, AIC Water commenced operations of a 5MLD desalination facility in Lapu-Lapu City which converts brackish water into potable water, serving locators in the MEZ2 Estate, as well as the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second busiest international gateway.

The 2025 Cebu Water Summit was hosted by the Philippine Institute for Chemical Engineers - Cebu Chapter and the University of San Carlos - Water Resource Center Foundation, Inc. – with endorsement from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Regional Office VII – with the theme “Taking the Challenge, Firming Actions NOW!”

The summit aims to strengthen stakeholder dialogues and cooperation to develop key solutions in helping Cebu’s long-term water security.

Aboitiz said that addressing Cebu’s water challenges is vital to secure Cebu’s full economic potential.

“Cebu holds a special place for the Aboitiz Group as we trace our roots here. We are keen to pursue potential investments in Cebu, and be a progressive partner in enabling water security for Cebuanos,” Aboitiz ended.

AIC Water’s full portfolio stands at 320 MLD, empowering communities with sustainable water. It operates the country's largest bulk water facility through Apo Agua in Davao City (a partnership with the Davao City Water District); provides end-to-end water and wastewater services to the 2,000-hectare footprint of Aboitiz Economic Estates; and holds a strategic stake in Balibago Waterworks, the country's fourth largest water concessionaire.