Manila Water achieves double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth in the first half of 2026.

“Our first half results show that even in uncertain times, our company can still deliver strong performance, provide reliable service, and create lasting value for our stakeholders. While geopolitical concerns and El Niño present real challenges for our sector, we are confident in our ability to navigate these conditions by improving the way we operate, optimizing resources, and strengthening service delivery. In doing so, we can translate operational gains into meaningful financial results, while continuing to provide reliable and essential water service to our customers.” ~Mr. Roberto R. Locsin, Manila Water President and CEO

For the first half of the year, Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water) maintained its strong financial and operational performance despite investment-cycle challenges and a more complex operating environment. This resulted from continued cost control, steady demand, and the positive effects of authorized tariff adjustments.

With the implementation of tariff adjustments across key operating units and steady contributions from its core business, Manila Water's consolidated revenues for the first half of 2026 increased by 11% to Php22.2 billion. A 13% increase in EBITDA to Php16.4 billion was supported by effective cost control and operational efficiency initiatives, which complemented this topline growth. The EBITDA margin further strengthened to 74% as a result of the company's ongoing focus on efficiency improvements and stringent cost controls throughout the entire organization. Furthermore, net income rose by 6% to Php8.5 billion, demonstrating Manila Water's capacity to turn a profit despite rising interest and depreciation expenses. This demonstrates the company's capacity to strike a balance between the demands of an ongoing investment cycle and short-term financial performance.

Manila Water's East Zone Concession saw a 12% increase in revenues to Php17.9 billion as a result of steady customer demand and tariff adjustments. The 13% increase in EBITDA to Php13.7 billion and the 9% improvement in net income to Php7.8 billion show that the core business remained strong despite increased depreciation and interest costs brought on by strategic infrastructure investments.

In addition to Manila Water's East Zone Concession, Non-East Zone Philippines (NEZ PH) business units generated robust growth. NEZ PH revenues increased by 2% and EBITDA increased by 7% as a result of tariff adjustments in key operations in Boracay, South Luzon, and Clark. This was further reinforced by higher supervision fees from projects under the company's Laguna Water and Estate Water businesses, which showed Manila Water's increasing portfolio contribution outside of its East Zone Concession and its ability to take advantage of expansion opportunities.

Manila Water continues to focus on essential infrastructure that supports capacity expansion, long-term water security, and service reliability. During that period, capital expenditures amounted to Php6.8 billion in compliance with the company's service obligations.

Manila Water is still taking proactive steps to manage external risks, like the current El Niño conditions and market disruptions brought on by the Middle East crisis. The company continues to take a methodical and systematic approach to cost control, operational resilience, and augmentation of the water supply.

Manila Water calls on customers to support August desludging program

“Every household that participates in desludging becomes a partner in protecting our waterways and safeguarding public health. By ensuring that septic tanks are regularly maintained, customers help prevent pollution and contribute to cleaner, healthier communities.” ~Dittie Galang, Manila Water Corporate Communications Group Head

Manila Water rolls out its August desludging schedule and encourages customers to take advantage of this essential service. By participating in regular desludging, customers become partners in protecting waterways, reducing pollution, and safeguarding public health in their communities.

Manila Water is highlighting the vital role that homes play in preserving waterways and community health by encouraging customers in its East Zone concession area to participate in its August desludging events.

By routinely desludging their septic tanks to prevent untreated wastewater from entering neighboring waterways, groundwater sources, and drainage systems, customers can reduce potential risks to the environment and public health.

For this month of August, Manila Water desludging teams will be deployed in the following East Zone Barangays: Bagong Nayon, Sta. Cruz, and San Luis in Antipolo City; Baras and Jalajala in Rizal; Pila Pila in Binangonan; San Andres and San Isidro in Cainta; Santa Ana in Taytay; Caniogan, Santo Tomas, and Santolan in Pasig City; Malanday, Marikina Heights, Nangka, and Parang in Marikina City; San Isidro and San Jose in Montalban (Rodriguez); and Ampid 1 in San Mateo. The desludging teams will also be deployed to select accounts in Marilag, Botocan, San Vicente, Paligsahan, and San Martin de Porres in Quezon City.

The process of removing accumulated sludge and wastewater from septic tanks is known as desludging. The collected septage is transported to Manila Water's septage treatment facilities, where it is appropriately treated before being safely released in accordance with environmental regulations. This process reduces the amount of pollutants that could otherwise end up in rivers and creeks, supporting larger efforts to improve water quality throughout the East Zone.

Currently, Manila Water uses three septage treatment facilities to treat wastewater throughout its concession area. These are North SpTP in San Mateo, Rizal; South SpTP in FTI, Taguig; and Pinugay SpTP in Antipolo, Rizal. 

Customers in the designated service areas will receive advance notice from Manila Water staff, and they are advised to ensure that their septic tanks are available on the day of the operation.

Every five years, Manila Water provides a complimentary desludging service. 

The project is part of the company's continuous efforts to improve sanitation services and encourage environmental sustainability in the East Zone.