Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) is addressing the growing risks of groundwater depletion by investing in a P4-billion river water treatment facility in Batangas, designed to cut reliance on aquifers while integrating renewable energy into its operations as part of its broader decarbonization strategy.

Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra, head of FPIP’s water division and president of FPIP Utilities Inc. (FUI), warned that the business-as-usual practice of groundwater extraction is no longer viable. “Water demand continues to rise as the population grows and industries expand,” she said at a Manila forum organized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, UNDP Philippines, and FutureWater Asia.

Esguerra stressed that “groundwater, which used to be abundant, is now in decline in terms of quality and quantity. And this is all because of aquifer overuse, volcanic activity, and poor sanitation in surrounding areas.”

The upcoming facility, targeted for completion in November 2025, will draw up to 20 million liters per day from the San Juan River and undergo advanced treatment before distribution to FPIP’s more than 150 locators and 80,000 employees. By avoiding groundwater pumping, an energy-intensive process, the project is expected to lower operational electricity demand while securing long-term supply for industries operating in the ecozone.

To support its sustainability roadmap, FUI is also integrating solar power into the treatment facility and pursuing circular water solutions such as converting invasive water hyacinths into biodegradable materials for remediation and capturing rainwater for reuse. These measures are intended to cut carbon-heavy operations while enhancing resource resilience.

“FPIP’s river water treatment facility is a testament to our commitment to change and our resolve to be an environmentally responsible organization. It is part of FPIP’s sustainability roadmap and a key step in our commitment to regeneration and decarbonization in support of the Lopez Group’s mission,” Esguerra said.

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Photo credit: FPIP