DBP to provide funds for Philippines water projects

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is to invest PHP5bn ($117m) in a water infrastructure development programme, which aims to provide safe, potable and affordable water supply to waterless areas in the Philippines.

DBP president and CEO Francisco Del Rosario said the investment will assist 498 waterless municipalities, 780 water districts operating below 50% service coverage and other water service providers with below 50% service coverage.

The programme will fund the source development, construction, expansion, rehabilitation and improvement of level 2 and 3 water supply projects.

Level 2 is defined as communal or public taps at strategic locations in the community and level 3 is piped connections to households and commercial establishments.

The programme will also promote the efficient use of water resources and climate change technologies, such as the development of alternative water impounding areas and rain collection systems.

DBP will work in collaboration with government agencies such as the Local Water Utilities Agency, the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure the effective implementation of the programme.