Puerto Princesa Water Reclamation And Learning Center Inc. wins at Asian Water Awards

The company demonstrated how sustainable wastewater treatment can safeguard coastal waters, integrating solar power and recycled water use into environmental management.

Puerto Princesa Water Reclamation and Learning Center, Inc. (PPWRLC) bagged the Water Quality Improvement Project of the Year - Philippines at the Asian Water Awards 2025. The accolade recognised the company’s expansion of PPWRLC, a facility that is instrumental in improving the water quality in Puerto Princesa Bay.

Established in 2022, PPWRLC is the city’s first major wastewater utility combining septage and sewage treatment in a single facility. Its modular design reduced costs, allowing the facility to deliver amongst the lowest septage rates in highly urbanised cities. From its initial capacity of 2,000 cubic metres per day, the facility doubled to 4,000 cubic metres per day by January 2025, which accommodates the growing demand of the city.

This expansion was vital in preparing for the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon, where meeting international water quality standards is critical for open-water swimming. Because of the company’s commitment to sustainability and in partnership with the city’s environmental initiatives, the IRONMAN organisers identified the area as a prime host for the international event in 2022, 2023, and 2025 in confidence to the bay’s safety and vitality, further evidenced by the return of the endemic dugong, a living symbol of restored marine health.

The facility operates with solar power and complements the city’s broader solid waste management initiatives. This improved water quality is further evidenced by the study conducted by a team from the University of the Philippines, validating the treatment process and confirming that the effluent effectively diluted pollutants from untreated discharges, declaring the treated water is deemed safe for non-potable reuse applications such as landscaping and fire suppression. The facility, which operates using solar power panels with its by-product being repurposed as fertiliser, further complements the city’s commitment to sustainability and broader solid waste management initiatives. Its treatment by-product is also an effective soil conditioner.

The Asian Water Awards highlights innovative water projects, initiatives, and organisations that contribute to improved water management, conservation, and sustainability in the region. It aims to promote best practices, foster knowledge sharing, and encourage collaborations across the industry.

The Asian Water Awards is presented by Asian Power Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's revolutionary innovations and initiatives in the water industry in Asia, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].