By Abdullahi Lukman
The Philippine government has secured a €212.7 million (approximately ₱14.98 billion) loan from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to improve water supply, sanitation and water security in underserved communities across the country.
The Department of Finance (DOF) announced the financing on Friday, saying the funds would support the Accelerated Water and Sanitation Project in Selected Areas (AWSPSA), which will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The project will focus on improving access to safe water and sanitation services, particularly in areas facing water shortages and inadequate disinfection facilities. It is also expected to strengthen service delivery, support economic development and reduce environmental risks associated with water scarcity.
Under the initiative, the government plans to construct a bulk water supply system, a septage treatment plant and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Bohol, Siargao and Sulu.
The DOF said the project represents the first phase of the World Bank-IBRD’s Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) Water Security and Resilience in East Asia and Pacific Program, which supports long-term investments to improve water security and strengthen resilience to climate-related risks.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go welcomed the financing, describing it as timely support for the government’s efforts to expand access to clean water and improve the reliability of water services.
He also expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership with the Philippines as the government pursues reforms aimed at improving public services.
The DOF said the loan supports the Marcos administration’s commitment to upgrading water infrastructure, expanding access to safe water and financing water supply and sanitation projects under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
The funding is also expected to support government measures to mitigate the potential effects of the anticipated super El Niño, which could intensify drought conditions and place additional pressure on water supplies.
The government said sustained investment in water infrastructure and sanitation services remains essential to addressing the country’s growing water security challenges and protecting vulnerable communities from climate-related risks.
