Manila Water, Antipolo LGU inaugurate Hinulugang Taktak STP

“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.” ~Jocot de Dios, Manila Water President and CEO 

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

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

The event at the STP site in Antipolo City was attended by prominent government representatives and partners, including Vice Mayor Randy Puno Jr., Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares-Chiongbian, Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III, and DENR Undersecretary Joselin Fragada.

There were also representatives from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), including Chief Regulator Patrick Lester N. Ty of the MWSS Regulatory Office, Administrator Leonor "Bobby" Cleofas, Chairperson Elpidio J. Vega, and their 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.

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.

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.” ~Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III, Antipolo City Mayor 

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.” ~Nina Ynares-Chiongbian, Governor

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.” ~Undersecretary Fragada, representing DENR Secretary Rafael Lotilla

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.” ~Bobby Cleofas, MWSS Administrator

The Hinulugang Taktak STP is an essential component of Manila Water's ₱2.2 billion Hinulugang Taktak Sewerage System Project, which has the capacity to treat up to 16 million liters of wastewater per day.   The facility helps restore the national park and safeguards water bodies in the Upper Marikina River Basin. It is perfectly located close to the well-known Hinulugang Taktak Falls.

The STP's commissioning signifies Manila Water's long-term goal of expanding sewer coverage and improving sanitation throughout the East Zone in close cooperation with national and local government partners.