MURCIA, Jan. 19 -- Officials of Bacolod City and this neighboring municipality are optimistic of more progress with the assurance of long-term water security as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inspection of the PHP1.5-billion Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant in Barangay Salvacion here Monday.

Marcos was joined by Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Mayor Greg Gasataya, as well as Mayor Gerardo Victor Rojas and Ryan Yapkianwee, president and chief executive officer of Tubig Pilipinas, which operates the project through its subsidiary, Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI).

"This facility supplies treated bulk water to Bacolod City through the City Water District to ensure a more reliable water supply for the city,...