PBBM Visits Water Treatment Plant in Murcia

January 19, 2026

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the Caliban Intake Facility in Murcia town Monday. It highlighted two components of the Bacolod–Murcia Bulk Water System: Phase 2, the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant and 12.5-km Murcia–Bacolod pipeline, delivering 15 Million Liters per Day (MLD) to Bacolod City; and Phase 3, the Caliban River Intake Facility, adding 20 MLD of new supply capacity. At full scale, the system is capable of serving more than 750,000 people and supporting the long-term water needs of both Bacolod City and the Municipality of Murcia. Among local officials at the site were Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Murcia Mayor Jerry Rojas, and Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya.* **(PIA-NIR photos)**

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led an inspection of the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant, marking a significant step toward improving access to clean, reliable water for the people of Bacolod City.

During his visit to the recently opened facilities, President Marcos underscored that safe and dependable water is essential to protecting public health and sustaining economic growth.

“It is an initiative that represents sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment in our country’s future,” President Marcos said.

“As we all know, water is a precious resource that sustains our health and our life and enables economic activities. When water systems work, progress flows,” the President added.

Considered one of the largest water treatment facilities in the Negros Island Region, the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant significantly strengthens Bacolod City’s long-term water security, according to the President.

“This facility supplies treated bulk water to Bacolod City through the City Water District to ensure a more reliable water supply for the city,” President Marcos said.

Located in Barangay Salvacion, Murcia, Negros Occidental, the facility has a capacity of up to 75 million liters of potable water per day and is expected to benefit around 100,000 households, or approximately 500,000 residents in Bacolod City and the Municipality of Murcia.

President Marcos acknowledged Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc., for making the project possible.

The President also recognized the contribution of international expertise, including water treatment and automation technology from Israel-based Watermatic International, to the initiative’s success.

The PhP1.5 billion investment, funded through shareholder equity with participation from Climate Fund Managers and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), reflects strong confidence in the country’s infrastructure sector, President Marcos said.

“It demonstrates our country’s established position to make long-term investments succeed. It is particularly true for those aligned with climate resilience and sustainable development,” the President added.

The President likewise stressed the importance of public-private sector partnerships in addressing the country’s development challenges and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering “well-planned” infrastructure that directly benefits the people.

“Projects such as the Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant remind us that as long as we work together, we can transform our communities for the better,” President Marcos said.

“It reinforces this Administration’s direction to create well-planned, responsibly financed infrastructure for our people. May our path ahead be clear, and the water that will flow in our communities nurture as we build a Bagong Pilipinas for all,” the President concluded.* (PND/PCO)