DUMAGUETE CITY — Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW), a joint venture between Dumaguete City Water District and Metro Pacific Water—won a Silver Stevie® Award for Sustainability at the 12th Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards held in Seoul, South Korea on May 13, 2025.
MDW earned recognition under the Saving Energy subcategory for its breakthrough initiative to produce more water using less power. This sustainability-driven innovation not only reduced electricity consumption in its operations but also improved cost efficiency—positioning MDW at par with leading international water service providers.
“This award reflects our dual commitment: to deliver safe and reliable water to Dumagueteños while advancing sustainability initiatives that protect our resources for future generations,” said Engr. Robert R. Cabiles, MDW Chief Operating Officer.
The introduction of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allowed for real-time adjustment of motor speeds based on actual water demand—dramatically increasing power and operational efficiency. Additionally, the award-winning solution involved the deployment of a motor protection system in MDW’s pumping stations. This included the installation of proper grounding systems, the use of correct wire and circuit breaker sizes and the application of surge protection against voltage spikes.
These measures prevented equipment damage, reduced service interruptions, and ensured continuous water delivery to consumers.
“Power efficiency in water production means generating the most water while using the least electricity,” added Cabiles. “This practice has led to lower power rates, higher water yields, and significant operational cost savings.”
The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards is the only business awards program that recognizes innovation across 29 countries in the region. This year’s competition received over 1,000 nominations from public and private organizations, with winners determined by the average scores of more than 100 global business executives.
Metro Dumaguete Water’s recognition marks a significant milestone—not only for the company but for Dumaguete City—demonstrating that local innovation can thrive and compete on the global stage. This achievement aligns with the vision of Metro Pacific Water (MPW) to be the leading water infrastructure company in creating sustainable and reliable water solutions. MPW is a wholly owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the Philippines’ leading infrastructure holding company.
In its four years of operation, MDW has added two deep wells to help lessen the supply deficit for the 35,000 Dumaguete households. MDW has also been commended by water consumers for making water available even during brownouts, through its procurement of diesel generators for all 22 pumping stations.
Last year, MDW was also recognized during the 11th Asia Pacific Stevie Awards for its community outreach program called Kauban sa Barangay and for its program of training barangay plumbers, dubbed as Tubero sa Barangay.
Cabiles said this year, MDW continues to focus on its strategic goals to maintain water quality, pursue source development and expansion, and implement service improvements.
