BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan — As the Philippines enters the peak summer tourism season, Boracay Water, a subsidiary of Manila Water Philippine Ventures, has achieved a perfect score in the Department of Health (DOH) 2026 Microbiological Performance Test. The certification provides a timely boost to the island’s reputation as a world-class destination, ensuring that both residents and the expected influx of international and local travelers have access to safe, high-quality potable water.
The recognition comes amidst the weakening of the Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) and a nationwide push for improved sanitation standards. The DOH’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) conducted the rigorous proficiency testing, which evaluates the ability of water laboratories to accurately detect and measure coliform and other bacterial contaminants.
“This 100% rating is a testament to our commitment to the highest standards of water safety and environmental stewardship,” a Boracay Water representative stated. “With the island’s tourism recovery in full swing, maintaining the integrity of our water supply is critical not just for health, but for the long-term sustainability of Boracay’s fragile ecosystem.”
The achievement highlights several key operational milestones for the utility provider:
- Advanced Treatment Protocols: Boracay Water utilizes multi-stage filtration and state-of-the-art chlorination systems to ensure that water remains compliant with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).
- Real-time Monitoring: The company has integrated automated sensors across its distribution network to monitor chlorine residual and turbidity levels, allowing for immediate adjustments to the treatment process.
- Environmental Protection: Beyond supply, the company’s Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) continue to meet the “Class SB” effluent standards, ensuring that treated wastewater discharged back into the sea does not harm the island’s famous white sand and coral reefs.
- Tourism Readiness: As the “summer heat” begins to intensify, the utility has ramped up its production capacity to meet the increased demand from hotels, resorts, and commercial establishments without compromising water pressure or quality.
Local government officials in Malay, Aklan, have lauded the result, noting that water security is a pillar of the island’s “Green Tourism” initiative. The perfect score serves as a counter-narrative to the “Third Wave” of global economic concerns, showcasing that local infrastructure can maintain world-class standards despite external pressures.
To celebrate this milestone, Boracay Water is launching a “Water for Life” campaign, which includes community workshops on water conservation and the installation of additional public drinking fountains in high-traffic areas along the White Beach.
As the second quarter of 2026 approaches, the utility is also exploring the integration of solar-powered pumps—similar to the agri-subsidies being pushed in Congress—to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and insulate water rates from the “diesel double whammy” currently affecting the national power grid.