Hungary eyes $33-M water infra deal with Phl

Hungary is set to finalize a $33-million loan agreement with the Philippines to fund key water treatment and desalination projects across the country, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri announced Thursday.

The announcement followed a courtesy visit by Hungarian National Assembly Speaker László Kövér to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on 15 October, where officials discussed deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in water infrastructure.

Kövér confirmed that discussions have reached an advanced stage and the final agreement now awaits 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.”

Zubiri, who heads the Philippines-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group, stressed the importance of the project in addressing water scarcity in coastal and rural areas.

“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.