Manila Water, Antipolo LGU inaugurate Hinulugang Taktak STP

Manila Water Company formally inaugurated the Hinulugang Taktak Sewage Treatment Plant (HT STP) on 17 November 2025, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable wastewater management in Rizal Province.

From left (front): MWSS Admin. Bobby Cleofas, Antipolo Mayor Jun Ynares, MWSS Chairman of the Board Elpidio Vega, Rizal Gov. Nina Ynares-Chiongbian, Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios, DENR Usec. Joselin Fragada, MWSS RO Chief Regulator Patrick Ty, and Manila Water East Zone COO Arnold Mortera at the symbolic commissioning of the Hinulugang Taktak STP

The ceremony, held at the STP site in Antipolo City, was attended by key government officials and partners, including DENR Undersecretary Joselin Fragada; Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares-Chiongbian; Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III; and Vice Mayor Randy Puno Jr.

Also present were representatives from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), led by Chairperson Elpidio J. Vega, Administrator Leonor “Bobby” Cleofas, and MWSS Regulatory Office Chief Regulator Patrick Lester N. Ty, along with their respective teams.

Manila Water was represented by President and CEO J.V. Emmanuel “Jocot” de Dios; Chief Operating Officer for East Zone Arnold Jether A. Mortera; Project Management Group Adviser Angel Gonzalez Angel Gonzalez; Program Management Director Renato C. Belmonte; Project Management Deputy Director Jocelyn M. General; Program Management Senior Manager Francis Erwin A. Cruz; East Zone Business Operations Director Shoebe Caong; and Rizal Business Operations Director Romely T. Paraiso.

During the inauguration, Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with government partners and communities.

“It really is a commitment of Manila Water and the Razon Group to ensure that our hosts and partners work collaboratively to improve quality of life for everyone. This [HT STP] is a living testament to what we want to accomplish,” De Dios said.

Mayor Jun Ynares expressed his gratitude to Manila Water and other stakeholders for undertaking the first and largest sewage treatment plant in Antipolo City.

“Our collaboration is saving and preserving the allure of Hinulugang Taktak for future generations of Filipinos. Thank you for doing your part to ensure that the partnership we began seven years ago has become a successful endeavor,” Mayor Ynares said.

Governor Nina Ynares-Chiongbian emphasized the importance of honoring Hinulugang Taktak’s heritage while embracing progress through the new STP.

“The inauguration of the HT STP today is about moving forward—about improvement and about tomorrow. But we cannot get to tomorrow without looking to our past. Looking to the past gives value to Hinulugang Taktak,” she said.

Undersecretary Fragada, representing DENR Secretary Rafael Lotilla, highlighted the alignment of Manila Water’s HT STP project with the national government’s efforts to create a climate-resilient citizenry.

“This project aligns squarely with DENR’s overarching thrust, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to build resilient, climate-smart, and sustainable communities through integrated environmental management,” Usec. Fragada said in his keynote speech.

MWSS Administrator Bobby Cleofas underscored the valuable contributions of private companies like Manila Water in delivering sustainable services to Filipinos.

“The Hinulugang Taktak Sewage Treatment Plant is not only a triumph for the water sector but also a representation of an effective public-private partnership,” MWSS Administrator Cleofas said.

Hinulugang Taktak STP is part of Manila Water’s ₱2.2-billion sewerage project. With a capacity of 16 million liters per day, it helps protect the Upper Marikina River Basin and supports the rehabilitation of the iconic falls.

The Hinulugang Taktak STP is a key component of Manila Water’s ₱2.2-billion Hinulugang Taktak Sewerage System Project, designed to treat up to 16 million liters of wastewater per day. Strategically located near the iconic Hinulugang Taktak Falls, the facility aims to protect water bodies in the Upper Marikina River Basin and support the rehabilitation of the national park.

The STP’s commissioning mark a significant step in Manila Water’s long-term goal of expanding sewer coverage and improving sanitation across the East Zone, in close coordination with national and local government partners