P126-M Boracay water pipeline inaugurated

MANILA, Philippines - Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez led the inauguration of a one-kilometer submarine water pipeline along the Caticlan-Boracay channel that will augment the existing 13-year-old pipeline supplying water to Boracay from mainland Malay town. 

The P126-million submarine pipe, constructed by Boracay Island Water Co. (BIWC), a subsidiary of Manila Water Co., the East Zone concessionaire of Metro Manila, is intended to further improve the island’s water supply. 

Jimenez’s presence in Boracay brings to the fore pressing development issues plaguing the island, such as zoning and environmental concerns. He took note of the improvements in water supply and wastewater management since BIWC started operations in 2009. The island now enjoys better water supply, with 96 percent of the population now having 24/7 water service.

The quality of tap water has also improved significantly, with 100 percent compliance with the stringent parameters of the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

Jimenez said the new submarine pipeline is expected to provide improved water supply and water pressure in the underserved areas of Boracay.

“We are not only launching a new submarine pipeline but more importantly, launching a new standard for people to appreciate: Boracay Water which is potable straight from the tap,” says Jimenez.  

“Boracay, next to the Philippines, is the best brand we have. Boracay is growing faster and our responsibility is to make the world know that and let the world taste that the cleanest potable water in the country is found in Boracay. DOT will continue to support the crusade that Boracay is the party island of Asia and this party island is not just continuing but sustainable,” added Jimenez.

Over the past two years, BIWC has also upgraded wastewater management in the island. From 31 percent, it is expected to hit its 52 percent service coverage target by the end of 2012. The upgrading of the island’s sewage treatment plant also ensured that the treated wastewater being flushed back into natural waters is within environmental compliance standards, keeping the beaches pristine.

Manila Water president and CEO Gerardo Ablaza Jr., on the other hand, was very pleased with the completion of the submarine pipe project. 

“We feel very privileged to support the Department of Tourism in its efforts to continue to enshrine Boracay among the world’s best tourist destinations. We will continue to strengthen the partnership we have forged with TIEZA and the people of Boracay to make the island not just a haven for the tourists but ensure that the residents of the island have equal access to the basic water and sewerage services,” says Ablaza.

Boracay Water’s water and wastewater services are expected to complement the increasing visitors of Boracay as DOT intensifies its tourism promotions to keep Boracay as one of the best beaches in the world. 

Recently, Boracay was named as the best beach in Asia and the second best in the world in the 2012 Travelers’ Choice of Award-Winning Beach Destinations by TripAdvisor.com. 

The inauguration of the new submarine pipe was also attended by Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) general manager Mark Lapid, Malay Mayor John Yap, Congressman Florencio Miraflores of the lone district of Aklan, BIWC president Virgilio Rivera Jr., officials of the Boracay Foundation, Inc. and Philippine Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, resort owners and residents of the famed island.

BIWC is a joint venture between Manila Water and TIEZA.