Boracay Water receives SDG 6 Champion of the Year distinction in the Global Water Awards 2025

Boracay Water, an operating unit of Manila Water Non-East Zone subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, has received a distinction in the annual Global Water Awards (GWA) as a champion for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. (Photo courtesy of Global Water Awards.)

MANILA, Philippines – Boracay Water, an operating unit of Manila Water Non-East Zone subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures and a concessionaire of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), has received a distinction in the annual Global Water Awards (GWA) as a champion for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) – Clean Water and Sanitation.

At the Global Water Summit 2025 held in Paris, France, Boracay Water General Manager Adrian Bryan Magallanes accepted the award alongside Manila Water Strategic Finance Group Director Celso Tagle.

The SDG 6 Champion of the Year award recognizes the most impactful initiative aligned with SDG 6 implemented in 2024 by a member of the 300 water leaders.

Boracay Water earned the distinction for its Integrated Water and Wastewater Management Program for Boracay Island—a comprehensive, multi-faceted sustainability initiative focused on long-term water conservation, energy efficiency, and responsible wastewater management.

This bold program underscores the company’s commitment to protecting Boracay’s natural resources while supporting the island’s vibrant tourism-driven economy.

The initiative is designed to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth, ensuring that Boracay remains a world-class destination for generations to come.

With 2.1 million tourists in 2024, Boracay Island relies on clean water and sanitation for its economy.

At the heart of the initiative is Project WaterWise, a strategic program focused on reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and optimizing energy consumption.

Through advanced leak detection, pipe replacements, and real-time monitoring, BIWC successfully reduced NRW from 30% in 2022 to 19% in 2024. This recovery of 1.075 million liters per day (MLD) now benefits up to 7,500 residents and tourists daily, while easing the burden on the Nabaoy River—Boracay’s sole freshwater source.

Energy efficiency was also significantly improved.

By fine-tuning Variable Frequency Drives, adjusting reservoir levels, and optimizing pumping schedules, BIWC lowered its energy efficiency index from 0.54 to 0.42 kWh per cubic meter.

These efforts saved 1.68 million kilowatt-hours over three years, translating to an estimated cost avoidance of US$ 292,727.

Boracay Water’s Sustainable Wastewater Management Program complements its water conservation efforts by enhancing the island’s sanitation infrastructure.

The 5-MLD Manocmanoc Sewage Treatment Plant was upgraded from a Conventional Activated Sludge system to a cutting-edge Membrane Bioreactor with Biological Nutrient Removal.

This ensures high-efficiency pollutant removal and compliance with Class SB effluent standards—without the need for chemical disinfection.

The program also expanded sewer coverage to 7,329 households and commercial establishments, significantly reducing the risk of wastewater contamination and bolstering the island’s resilience against future environmental challenges.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to responsible resource management,” said Magallanes.

“By investing in sustainable infrastructure and innovative technologies, we are not only protecting Boracay’s environment but also securing its economic vitality.”

“We are honored to partner with Boracay Water, and we are even more proud to share with your success, a distinction at the Global Water Awards in the SDG6 Champion of the Year category. Para po sa amin sa TIEZA, malaking bagay po ang pakikiisa ng Boracay Water sa adhikain nating gawing mas ligtas, mas malinis at mas maayos ang bawat karanasan ng ating mga turista. [At TIEZA, we deeply value our collaboration with Boracay Water in our shared mission to ensure that every tourist experience is safer, cleaner, and more efficient.]” said Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of TIEZA.

Since 2006, the Global Water Awards have recognized outstanding achievements in the international water sector.

Presented annually at the Global Water Summit—the leading business event for water professionals—these prestigious honors celebrate innovation and excellence across water, wastewater, and desalination by spotlighting pioneering technologies, operational brilliance, and sustainable financial strategies.

In 2022, Manila Water was named Water Company of the Year in the Global Water Awards of the said year, making it as the first water company from the Philippines and any developing country to receive the recognition.