Subic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (SubicWater) have extended their franchise agreement (FA) for another 20 years.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed this development as the SBMA’s partnership with SubicWater has been harmonious since the latter’s start of operations here in 1997.

The 3rd Amendment to the franchise agreement and the 4th Amendment to the SBMA-SubicWater Lease Agreement were signed yesterday at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom at Building 229, extending their FA term until March 31, 2047.

The agreements were signed by Chairman Aliño, SubicWater Chairman Engr. Apollo C. Tiglao, and witnessed by Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. and SubicWater CEO and General Manager Benjamin Antonio III.

Chairman Tiglao said that under the amendment, “SubicWater shall undertake measures to achieve 100 percent wastewater coverage including combined sewerages and sanitation services for Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City.”

He also said that this project would be more beneficial to SubicWater’s customers as Olongapo City will now have wastewater services and sewer lines.

Additionally, SubicWater can now expand its services to far-flung areas of Subic Freeport such as Redondo Peninsula and Tipo area as a result of the amendment.

Meanwhile, Mayor Paulino also expressed his gratitude to the SBMA and SubicWater for the continued services of the water company. “We had really hoped SubicWater would expand their services. We have been clamoring for the wastewater coverage in Olongapo City,” he added.

“We really appreciate that we were involved in the process. Special thanks to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon Agregado for advocating this for the benefit of Olongapo City and all other constituents,” he added.