MANILA, Philippines — A critical infrastructure project designed to secure the water future of millions of Filipinos has caught the eye of the international community.
The Upper Wawa Dam, a flagship project of WawaJVCo Inc.—a joint venture between Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. and Manila Water Company—has been officially shortlisted for the prestigious Global Water Awards (GWA) 2026 Project of the Year. The nomination places the Philippine project among the most innovative and impactful water infrastructure developments in the world.
The Upper Wawa Dam is the second phase of the Wawa Heritage Settlement Project located in Rodriguez, Rizal. Once fully operational, it is expected to provide an additional 438 million liters per day (MLD) of raw water to the East Zone of Metro Manila and parts of Rizal Province.
The Global Water Awards, organized by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), recognized the project for its “rapid execution and strategic importance” in addressing the chronic water supply deficits that have plagued the Philippine capital in recent years.
Standing at approximately 85 meters high, the Upper Wawa Dam is a massive Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) structure. What sets it apart for the GWA panel is not just its scale, but the speed at which it was constructed despite the challenges of the tropical climate and rugged terrain.
Beyond supply, the project serves a dual purpose:
- Flood Mitigation: The dam acts as a natural buffer, significantly reducing the risk of downstream flooding in low-lying areas of Marikina and Pasig during the typhoon season.
- Environmental Stewardship: The project includes a comprehensive reforestation program for the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, ensuring the long-term health of the watershed.
For Manila Water, the nomination is a validation of its “multi-source” strategy. By diversifying away from a heavy reliance on the Angat Dam, the Upper Wawa Dam provides a critical safety net against El Niño cycles and potential seismic events that could threaten older infrastructure.
“Being shortlisted for the Global Water Awards is a testament to the hard work of our engineers and partners,” a Manila Water representative stated. “More importantly, it highlights that the Philippines is capable of world-class infrastructure that directly improves the lives of our citizens.”
The Upper Wawa Dam will compete against other major international projects from the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The winners will be announced during the Global Water Summit in London later this month.
As Metro Manila continues to grow, the Upper Wawa Dam stands as a symbol of resilience—a project that not only quenches the thirst of a mega-city but also protects it from the elements.