LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—After Governor Ramon V. Guico III cleared the air on the termination of the concession agreement worth PhP8 billion, which died a ‘‘natural death,” Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) rolled up its sleeves and reached out to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) to explore avenues for the revival of the project.
In a press statement dated January 26, MWPV stated that it reached out to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) to explore the revival of the botched concession agreement.
“PGP and the consortium of MWPV remain open to explore partnerships on water supply for the province even after the concession agreement has been deemed mutually terminated at the close of 2023. This presents an opportunity to revisit the conditions precedent of the old contract and renew partnership for the benefit of Pangasinenses,” the press statement added.
Earlier, the PGP through Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Baby Ruth Torre uncovered several irregularities concerning the project, including the confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation that came before the execution of the certification, the non-publication of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Submit Comparative Proposals in Reference to the PPP Provision, and no proof of payment of the Performance Security Bond, among others.
As disclosed by Governor Guico, his administration is not against the project, as the PGP’s thrust is to invite more investors that could produce more revenues for the province.
Under the concession agreement, MWPV will invest PhP8 billion in the next 25 years for the establishment of an infrastructure that will source water from the Agno River through riverbank filtration technology.
A total of 14 towns and cities will benefit from the project. These are the towns of Villasis, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, and Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mapandan, Manaoag, Binmaley, Lingayen, San Jacinto, and San Fabian, and the cities of Dagupan, Urdaneta, and San Carlos.
Currently, the company has an operation unit in the town of Calasiao through a 25-year joint venture agreement with the Calasiao Water District. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
