The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) welcomed the recognition of Manila Water Company’s Upper Wawa Dam as Water Project of the Year at this year’s Global Water Awards, with the honor formally conferred to MWSS Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas, CESO IV during the sidelines of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2026 in Singapore.
The award, organized by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), recognizes the Upper Wawa Dam as a model project in advancing sustainable and resilient water infrastructure. It also highlights MWSS’ strong support and regulatory leadership in enabling critical water supply investments that strengthen long-term water security across its service area. The recognition was received by Administrator Cleofas and WawaJVCo President & CEO Melvin John Tan on behalf of Prime Infra and Manila Water.
“This recognition affirms the importance of developing new, reliable water sources that will prepare us for future challenges. The Upper Wawa Dam is a vital component of our broader strategy to diversify supply, reduce dependence on a single source, and ensure that millions of Filipinos continue to have access to safe and sufficient water even in the face of climate variability and rising demand,” said MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas.
The awarding coincides with Singapore International Water Week 2026, held from June 15 to 19 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Now in its 11th edition, the global platform convenes leaders and experts in urban water, coastal protection, and climate resilience under the theme “Securing a Resilient and Sustainable Water Future.” MWSS and Manila Water, as part of the Philippine delegation, is actively engaging with international stakeholders to adopt best practices and innovations that can be applied to the country’s water sector.
The Upper Wawa Dam forms part of MWSS’ water security roadmap, a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the sustainable development and management of water resources in the Philippines. The roadmap is anchored on three key pillars: the reengineering of existing raw water conveyance systems, the development of short-term to medium-term water source projects, and the implementation of long-term water supply solutions.
Under the first pillar, MWSS is undertaking the rehabilitation of aging aqueducts and tunnels constructed as early as the 1930s and 1940s, with completion targeted by 2028. These efforts aim to improve system efficiency and ensure the continued integrity of critical water infrastructure.
Complementing these initiatives are short-term water source projects such as the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, which includes the Upper Wawa Dam.
The Water Project of the Year recognition for the Upper Wawa Dam underscores the significance of proactive investments in resilient infrastructure and reaffirms MWSS and its concessionaires’ commitment to securing a sustainable water future for the communities it serves.
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