The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has granted original proponent status (OPS) to the consortium of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water), South Korea’s state-owned water utility, for the proposed PHP14.8-billion (US$235 million) long-term water supply and wastewater management project for New Clark City in Tarlac, Philippines.

The public utility component of the project will be managed and operated by a duly qualified entity. It will strengthen the metropolis’ utility infrastructure and support its continued expansion in investments, businesses and communities. The project aims to deliver reliable utility services while ensuring the proper treatment of wastewater in compliance with applicable environmental and wastewater management standards. This will promote responsible water resource management as the metropolis continues to grow.

Following the OPS approval, the project will proceed through the required approvals and the Swiss challenge stage of the Philippine PPP process, under which other qualified private-sector proponents can submit competing proposals. The contract award is targeted for December 2026, subject to the completion of the PPP process and required approvals.

The proposed partnership complements BCDA’s ongoing investments in New Clark City’s infrastructure and advances its goal of ensuring that the city’s physical and utility infrastructure develops in line with its economic expansion. As New Clark City continues to grow, the project will provide essential water supply and wastewater infrastructure to meet increasing demand while supporting the sustainable and responsible management of water resources.