FPIP officials and employees from its water division units point their index fingers up after they earned recognition from PEZA for their commitment to maintaining water safety within the ecozoneThe water management systems of First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) have received recognition from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for their commitment to maintaining water safety within the economic zone.

FPIP, through its units FPIP Utilities Inc. (FUI) and FIT Water Inc. (FITWI), was awarded certificates of water safety plan (WSP) acceptance by PEZA during an awarding ceremony held on Feb. 11, 2025.

FUI provides 24/7, quality and sustainable water services in FPIP’s main ecozone area straddling the cities of Santo Tomas and Tanauan in Batangas. FITWI provides a similar service in FPIP’s adjacent expansion site, First Industrial Township (FIT) in Tanauan.

The first PEZA WSP review committee, led by the PEZA environmental safety group, was composed of external members from the Department of Health, University of the Philippines Manila and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

The committee 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.

Prior to the submission of their WSPs, FPIP’s water division units conducted for its personnel a rigorous preparation process so they would have a full understanding of the movement, distribution and properties of water within the ecozone areas. This included conducting several research and hydrological studies, such as surface assessment of rivers, lakes and reservoirs; analysis of precipitation process, storm water runoff and infiltration rates; and understanding how seasonal variations and climate change can affect the availability of water.

Both water service divisions likewise have initiated key projects and system enhancements to uphold their commitment to their WSPs. Among these projects are the development of a river treatment plant, automation of supervisory control and data acquisition or SCADA, construction of sedimentation tanks and integration of a chlorination system.

Said 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,” Esguerra added.

(Story by:Joel Gaborni)