The Israeli Embassy welcomed the official opening and inspection of the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant in Murcia, Negros Occidental, which uses innovative Israeli water treatment and automation technology. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ceremony on January 19, emphasizing the importance of this project in bringing international expertise to the country, particularly Israeli water innovation.
According to Marcos, the project is “a representation of sound infrastructure planning and responsible investment for the future of the country.” The plant is expected to provide up to 75 million liters of clean water per day, benefiting approximately 100,000 households in Bacolod City and Murcia.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Dana Kursh of Israel showed how proud they are to share Israel's experience and solutions to ensure water security for Filipinos. He said, “This project reflects vision, technology, trust, and knowledge sharing. Even though 60% of Israel is desert, they have overcome water scarcity through innovations such as drip irrigation and advanced water technologies.”
The plant takes raw water from the Sum-ag River in Barangay Abo-Abo and purifies it through several stages to ensure it is safe to drink. Through modern technology, the quality of water for the local community will be ensured.
The deep ties between the Israeli and Philippine governments continue. Before the plant's opening, Kursh visited Camp Crame in December 2025, while Israel Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel emphasized the strong friendship between the two countries during her Manila visit. This project is a symbol of cooperation and innovation for a better future for Filipinos.
