MARIVELES, Bataan — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) signed a 25-year joint venture agreement on July 23 with a consortium of Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc. and FB Infrastructure Corp. to rehabilitate, operate, maintain, expand and manage the water supply and sewerage system in the Freeport Area of Bataan.

The agreement was signed by AFAB Administrator and CEO Hussein P. Pangandaman, Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc. President Ryan Wesley T. Yapkianwee, and FB Infrastructure Corp. President Francesca Kasandra T. De Jesus.

Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines Deputy Executive Director Eleazar Ricote also attended the signing ceremony on behalf of Executive Director Riza Blanco-Latorre.

The project involves an estimated ₱1.358 billion investment to rehabilitate and expand the Freeport’s water distribution network, upgrade wastewater and sanitation facilities, and improve water and sewerage services to support the area’s continued growth.

The project will be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership Code and includes measures aimed at reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and providing residents, businesses and industries with reliable access to safe and sustainable water services.(PR)