The Manila Water Group cemented its leadership in sustainable utility management as its flagship East Zone concessionaire and its subsidiary Cebu Water were honored with prestigious 2025 awards by the Department of Energy (DOE) for excellence in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Manila Water Company, Inc. received the 2025 DOE Sustainable Energy Award (Private Institution Category) for its groundbreaking 2.5-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic installation, the largest in the Philippine water sector. Simultaneously, Cebu Manila Water Development Inc. (Cebu Water) was conferred the 2025 DOE Energy Efficiency Excellence Award (Energy Management of Small and Medium Industry Category).
The DOE recognized Manila Water’s East Zone solar facility for its successful integration of renewable energy into critical water and wastewater operations. Arnold Mortera, Chief Operating Officer for the East Zone, stated, “This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to delivering safe and reliable water services while caring for the planet… We will continue our transformation toward sustainable energy.” The 2.5 MWp installation is the initial phase of a Solar Masterplan targeting up to 50 MWp of solar power for own use, aimed at cutting emissions and operational costs.
Cebu Water’s award marks the third consecutive year a Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) subsidiary has earned national energy efficiency honors, following Boracay Water (2023) and Tagum Water (2024). MWPV Chief Operating Officer Melvin John Tan attributed the success to the group’s disciplined energy management framework, calling energy efficiency “a strategic enabler of affordable, resilient, and sustainable water services.”
Buoyed by these twin awards, which underscore the Manila Water Group’s systematic replication of sustainability best practices across its national portfolio, Cebu Water is now poised to represent the Philippines at the 2026 ASEAN Energy Excellence Awards. These combined initiatives directly support national renewable energy goals, enhance grid sufficiency, and are designed to create long-term value for customers and the environment.#
