Manila Water Company, Inc. has embedded sustainability into its daily operations, ensuring that its business goals align with its commitment to serving communities. By integrating sustainability into its core strategy, Manila Water empowers people and businesses while safeguarding the environment that sustains its operations—water. The company intensifies its efforts in five key areas: developing employees, helping build communities, protecting the environment, safeguarding health and safety, and contributing to local and national economies.
Driving Community Development Through Water Access Initiatives
Manila Water strengthens its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts through major sustainability programs. These include the Tubig Para sa Barangay (TPSB) or Water for the Community program, the Lingap program for public service institutions, the Manila Water University for employee development, the Kabuhayan Para sa Barangay (Livelihood for the Community) program, and the Suki Vendor (Preferred Vendor) program. The company also prioritizes environmental sustainability through initiatives focused on wastewater management, watershed protection, environmental partnerships, and climate change adaptation.
Tubig Para Sa Barangay: Water for All
The Tubig Para Sa Barangay (TPSB) program is Manila Water’s flagship initiative, providing sustainable water services to urban poor communities. Historically, legal, technical, and economic barriers made water access difficult for low-income households. Manila Water overcame these challenges by fostering partnerships with local community leaders, known as kasangga, who act as communicators and influencers. Where standard pipeline installations were not feasible, the company introduced alternative solutions like group metering and bulk meter schemes. By bringing water to underserved communities, TPSB has empowered those at the bottom of the economic pyramid and reinforced the company’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Lingap: Extending Water Access Beyond Homes
To complement the TPSB initiative, Manila Water launched the Lingap program, which provides improved water access to public service institutions frequently used by the urban poor. These include schools, hospitals, public markets, city jails, and orphanages. By ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in these high-traffic areas, the program promotes public health and hygiene. By the end of 2014, a total of 355 public service institutions had benefited from this initiative.
Kabuhayan Para Sa Barangay: Empowering Communities Through Livelihood
The Kabuhayan Para Sa Barangay (KPSB) program strengthens community livelihoods by offering non-interest loans to community-based cooperatives. Additionally, Manila Water integrates these cooperatives into its supply chain whenever possible, fostering sustainable economic opportunities for TPSB beneficiaries. This approach not only improves household income but also strengthens the economic resilience of marginalized communities.
Suki Vendor: Nurturing Small Business Growth
Manila Water’s Suki Vendor program demonstrates its commitment to inclusive economic growth. Under this initiative, the company awards a significant portion of its projects to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly small pipe-laying contractors. Over time, many of these SMEs have grown alongside Manila Water and, in some cases, have evolved into joint venture partners as the company expanded its geographic footprint. This long-term partnership model has created a sustainable ecosystem for SME growth while ensuring high-quality water infrastructure projects.
Manila Water University: Investing in Employee Development
Launched in 2014, the Manila Water University (MWU) is a key initiative designed to support the company’s growing workforce. MWU provides employees with opportunities to take charge of their career development, set professional aspirations, and receive guidance through coaching. The program focuses on two main areas: leadership development and technical excellence. By fostering talent within the company, MWU ensures that employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive Manila Water’s long-term success.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
Manila Water’s sustainability initiatives reflect a holistic approach to business—one that balances profitability with social impact and environmental stewardship. By addressing critical issues such as water accessibility, community development, and employee growth, the company continues to reinforce its role as a responsible corporate citizen, committed to improving lives and protecting natural resources for future generations.
