Iris Gonzales, Philippine Star reporter and columnist, provides an eye-opening discussion on water in the Philippines and the Manila water concessions. Iris also explains the impact of the recently enacted legislative franchises granted by the Filipino government.

In this session, you’ll learn about:

• Iris’ coverage of water in the Philippines
• How the Philippines set up water utilities after achieving independence on July 4, 1946
• Why President Ramos privatized the water utility industry in the Philippines
• Where President Ramos got the idea to privatize the water utility industry
• The background on the Manila water utility concessions
• Why Manila split its water utility concessions between an East Zone and a West Zone
• How the Manila water concessions are ––structured
• How the Manila water concessionaires are regulated
• The legislative franchise the Congress of the Philippines enacted for the concessionaires 
• How the legislative franchise interfaces with the Manila water concessions
• Why the legislative franchise provides a safety net for the concessionaires’ investment in water infrastructure
• Whether privatization improved water utility service in the Philippines
• Iris’ take on the Filipino view of water as a right

Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:

• Iris’ page on the Philippine Star’s website
• Iris’ Twitter handle & Instagram handle: @eyesgonzales
• Manila’s Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Service webpage explaining the concessions

Thank You!

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