Ensuring Safe and Reliable Water: FUI and FITWI Recognized for Water Safety Plans
The water service divisions of First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) and First Industrial Township (FIT) – FPIP Utilities, Incorporated (FUI) and FIT Water Inc. (FITWI) – were recognized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for their commitment to water safety within the two ecozones.
In an awarding ceremony on February 11, 2025, PEZA presented FUI and FITWI with Certificates of Water Safety Plan (WSP) Acceptance. Of the 13 submissions from different economic zone developers and enterprises, FUI and FITWI are among the first to earn the recognition.
The first PEZA WSP Review Committee, led by the PEZA Environmental Safety Group, is composed of external members from the Department of Health (DOH), University of the Philippines Manila, and Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
The committee carefully evaluated each submitted WSP based on team and management support, system description, hazard identification and risk assessment, control measures validation, improvement plans, operational monitoring, and verification, among others. WSPs with a passing overall rating are recommended by PEZA to the DOH for approval and issuance of certificates.
In 2017, DOH released Administrative Order 2017-06, which outlines the revised guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water across the country. The health agency deputized PEZA to review the WSPs and ensure its implementation in the ecozones. All PEZA-registered ecozones that manage or operate a water supply system are required to develop, submit, and implement a WSP.
Prior to the submission of their water safety plans, FUI and FITWI underwent a rigorous preparation process to have a full understanding of the movement, distribution, and properties of water within the areas they serve. This included conducting several research and hydrological studies, such as surface assessment of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; analysis of precipitation process, stormwater runoff and infiltration rates; and understanding how seasonal variations and climate change can affect the availability of water.
Moreover, both water service divisions have initiated key projects and system enhancements to uphold their commitment to their water safety plans. Among these projects are the development of a river treatment plant, automation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), construction of sedimentation tanks, and integration of a chlorination system.
According to Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra, head of FUI and FITWI, “As one of the leaders in the industry, we made sure that all necessary preparations were made, equipping us with the essential resources and knowledge to develop solid water safety plans - one that we can also implement effectively.”
“PEZA’s approval of our water safety plans is a significant milestone for us. It affirms our commitment to water safety and security, further supporting our goals of regeneration and decarbonization. We are also exploring more initiatives, but for now, we look forward to the full implementation of these plans, which will benefit both our locators and the communities we serve.”
Lopez-led FPIP is one of the leading and premier industrial parks in the Philippines. It acquired FIT in 2015, as part of its goal of expanding its industrial estate portfolio and increasing its land reserves for future locators. Previously called Philtown Industrial Estate, FIT is now the site of 15 world-class locators in Tanauan, Batangas.
