Works on Upper Wawa Dam secure IP approval

MANILA, Philippines — Wawa JVCo Inc., a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Holdings Inc., has obtained the approval from concerned indigenous peoples (IPs) for the development of the Upper Wawa Dam, the second phase of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply project.

In a statement, Wawa JV Co said it had received the approval from the Dumagat/Remontado IPs of Antipolo and Montalban.

The company said the negotiations and the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) were held on Mar. 17 and 23 at the Kaysakat National High School in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City and Phase 1B Gymnasium, Kasiglahan Village, Rodriguez, respectively.

It added that the event was supervised by the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Team and attended by representatives of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) offices.

“The MOA signing is a milestone of the FPIC process that we are undertaking,” Wawa JVCo president Melvin John Tan said.

“It shows the full support from the community for the Upper Wawa Dam Project and will allow us to proceed with working to provide reliable water supply to Metro Manila’s East Zone residents while also helping support the growth and sustainable development of the IPs in Antipolo City and Rodriguez, Rizal,” he added.

Amba Ernesto Doroteo from the Antipolo IP welcomed the MOA, expressing hope that IPs will see improvement in their lives as the project rises.

In addition, Adolfo Gallanosa from the Montalban IP expressed his appreciation of the inclusiveness of the MOA.

Wawa JVCo said the recently-signed agreement  is the fourth and final MOA in the FPIC process for the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project

“The successful MOA signing is a manifestation of the IP’s support for nation building as we address the growing concern of water scarcity in Metro Manila and the nearby province of Rizal,” the company said.

Once completed, the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project will deliver over 518 million liters per day that can provide water supply to over 500,000 households in the East Zone concession area.

Wawa JVCo said the project will also help mitigate recurring flood issues in the lower areas of Rizal Province, Marikina City and Pasig City.

Wawa JVCo is a subsidiary of Prime Infra, the infrastructure arm of the Razon Group.

The Razon Group officially took over Manila Water in June last year, after acquiring a controlling stake from the Ayala Group in 2020.

“The Prime Infra management team will work hand in hand with existing Manila Water shareholders to seek expansion opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad,” Prime Infra said earlier.

“This acquisition, together with the ongoing flagship Wawa bulk water supply project, builds up Prime Infra’s water market presence as the leading bulk water supplier and distribution utility operator in the Philippines,” Prime Infra said earlier.