Manila Water's first half of 2026 performance is solid, with double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth

Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water) maintained its strong financial and operational performance in the first half of the year, owing to the positive impact of approved tariff adjustments, stable demand, and continued cost discipline despite investment-cycle headwinds and a more complex operating environment.

Manila Water's consolidated revenues increased by 11% to Php22.2 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by consistent contributions from its core business and tariff adjustments implemented across key operating units. This topline growth was bolstered by effective cost management and operational efficiency initiatives, which resulted in a 13% increase in EBITDA to Php 16.4 billion. EBITDA margin increased to 74%, reflecting the company's ongoing emphasis on efficiency improvements and disciplined cost controls throughout the organization. Net income increased by 6% to Php8.5 billion, demonstrating Manila Water's strong earnings potential despite higher depreciation and interest expenses. This demonstrates the company's ability to balance short-term financial performance with the demands of an ongoing investment cycle.

Manila Water's East Zone Concession's business performance remained strong, with revenues increasing by 12% to Php17.9 billion due to consistent customer demand and tariff adjustments. EBITDA also increased by 13% to Php13.7 billion, resulting in a 9% increase in net income to Php7.8 billion, indicating the continued strength of the core business, despite higher depreciation and interest expenses from strategic infrastructure investments.

Beyond Manila Water's East Zone Concession, Non-East Zone Philippines (NEZ PH) business units demonstrated strong growth. NEZ PH revenues increased by 2%, while EBITDA increased by 7%, primarily due to tariff adjustments in key operations in Clark, South Luzon, and Boracay. This was bolstered by higher supervision fees from projects under the company's Laguna Water and Estate Water businesses, reflecting Manila Water's expanding portfolio beyond its East Zone Concession and its ability to seize growth opportunities.

Manila Water continues to prioritize critical infrastructure that enables capacity expansion, service reliability, and long-term water security. Capital expenditures during the period totaled Php6.8 billion, in line with the company's service obligations.

“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

Manila Water is proactive in managing external risks, including El Niño and market disruptions from the Middle East crisis. The company continues to take a disciplined and deliberate approach to cost management, operational resilience, and water supply augmentation.

Manila Water calls on customers to support August desludging program

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 encouraging customers in its East Zone concession area to take part in its scheduled August desludging activities, emphasizing the critical role that households play in protecting community health and waterways.

Customers can help prevent untreated wastewater from entering drainage systems, groundwater sources, and nearby waterways by desludging their septic tanks on a regular basis, lowering environmental and public health risks.

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.

“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

Desludging refers to the removal of accumulated sludge and wastewater from septic tanks. The collected septage is transported to Manila Water's septage treatment facilities, where it is thoroughly treated before being safely discharged in accordance with environmental regulations. This process helps to reduce the pollutant load that would otherwise end up in rivers and creeks, which supports broader efforts to improve water quality throughout the East Zone.

Manila Water currently has three septage treatment plants that treat wastewater throughout its concession area. These include the North Septage Treatment Plant (SpTP) in San Mateo, Rizal; the South SpTP in FTI, Taguig; and the Pinugay SpTP in Antipolo, Rizal. 

Customers in the scheduled service areas will receive advance notice from Manila Water personnel and are advised to ensure that their septic tanks are accessible on the day of the operation.

Manila Water's desludging service, which takes place every five years, is free of charge. 

The program is part of the company's ongoing efforts to improve sanitation services and promote environmental sustainability in the East Zone.