MacroAsia Commissions Olango Desalination Plant, Accelerates Build-Out of Cebu Water Platform
MacroAsia Corporation has formally commissioned the Olango Desalination Plant through its subsidiary, CSWater Lapu-Lapu, Inc. (CSWLL), marking a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion into essential water infrastructure.
The inauguration, attended by Lapu-Lapu City officials including Mayor Cynthia Chan and Congressman Junard Chan, signals the project’s transition from construction completion to full operational rollout. The facility is designed to strengthen water security across Olango Island, long challenged by supply constraints.
Strengthening Local Water Security
The Olango plant utilizes seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology to convert seawater into potable water, supported by an integrated distribution network. Once fully commissioned, it will deliver safe and reliable drinking water to households and businesses across the island.
The project addresses rising demand driven by residential growth and tourism activity, while reinforcing the city’s long-term water resilience strategy.
Expanding a Scalable Desalination Platform
The Olango facility forms part of MacroAsia’s broader investment program in Lapu-Lapu City, implemented under a public-private partnership framework. The initiative is anchored on a Joint Venture Agreement for Water Supply between the city government and CSWLL, establishing a concession-based model for sustainable infrastructure development.
A second desalination facility in Punta Engaño is expected to be inaugurated in the coming months, with an initial planned production capacity of up to 20 million liters per day (MLD). Once both plants are operational, the combined output will significantly expand potable water capacity in the city, supporting continued urbanization and economic activity.
Together, the projects position MacroAsia as an emerging key participant in Lapu-Lapu’s long-term water infrastructure ecosystem.
Strategic Diversification into Essential Infrastructure
MacroAsia’s move into water utilities reflects a disciplined capital allocation strategy focused on essential service sectors with defensive characteristics. These include stable and non-cyclical demand, long-term contractual arrangements, predictable cash flows, and high barriers to entry.
Water infrastructure, in particular, represents a structural growth opportunity in the Philippines as climate resilience, population growth, and urban expansion drive sustained demand for reliable supply systems.
Through CSWLL and its parent company SWRI, MacroAsia is building a scalable utilities platform that complements its established aviation services and food services operations. The expansion enhances earnings visibility while supporting long-term value creation for shareholders.
With the commissioning of the Olango Desalination Plant and further capacity coming online soon, MacroAsia is steadily positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to sustainable water infrastructure development in Cebu.
