Manila Water Company Inc. outlined several infrastructure initiatives to strengthen its water supply systems in preparation for a potentially strong El Niño, reporting capital expenditures of ₱11.7 billion during the first nine months of the year.
The East Zone concessionaire is maximizing output from its Cardona, East Bay Phase 1, and Calawis treatment plants, while targeting the completion of East Bay Phase 2 and the Kaysakat Plant—adding 220 million liters per day (MLD)—within the year.
Regional operational units have also deployed contingency measures, including continuity plans and mobile tankers for Calasiao Water, an extra deep well and treatment plant developments for Metro Ilagan Water in Isabela, and steady delivery outputs from Cebu Water.
“These investments are strengthening our business for the future — expanding and diversifying our water sources, reinforcing system reliability, and improving network efficiency,” Manila Water President and Chief Executive Officer Roberto Locsin said in an emailed statement.
“As we prepare for a potentially strong El Niño, we remain confident in our ability to manage near-term challenges with discipline while sustaining dependable, long-term value creation for our customers and shareholders,” he added.
Financial Performance
For the first nine months of the year, the company posted a 5% decline in net income to ₱12 billion, even as consolidated revenues climbed 11% to ₱33.4 billion and service costs reached ₱9.6 billion. The firm noted that the profit shift reflects higher depreciation and interest expenses from newly operational assets, marking a standard phase of its investment cycle.
Revenues from the East Zone franchise—covering 23 cities and municipalities across Metro Manila and Rizal—climbed 12% to ₱26.9 billion, while non-East Zone operations saw a 19% increase in net income to ₱1.35 billion, spurred by higher billed volumes in Clark, South Luzon, and Boracay.
Meanwhile, state weather bureau PAGASA has cautioned that the ongoing El Niño cycle could extend through March or June 2027, aligning with broader international impact warnings.