The City of Mati, Davao Oriental, was treated to the seminal groundbreaking of SBRI’s newest water franchise in the said provincial capital, on June 15, 2018. Before a crowd of 50 local luminaries and stakeholders, the groundbreaking schedule for the SBRI-Mati Water System was deliberately positioned to herald the opening of the Araw ng Mati festivities, an annual celebration of Mati’s colourful history, culture and environs. It likewise served to accentuate SBRI’s second franchise in Mindanao, after Maasim in Sarangani Province.
The event held at Brgy. Sainz, Mati City launched what promises to be the much-awaited development of a parallel water supply distribution system that would formally expand the delivery of clean, reliable, and potable water throughout the City of Mati. The occasion was graced by the presence of Hon. Mayor Carlo Rabat, who delivered the keynote address and was bullish about the City’s social and economic benefits under a new water investment.
SBRI President Criselle Alejandro, on the other side, spoke with verve about the importance of urban water management, governance, and service in a time of heightened unrest and uncertainty. Other speakers included the Hon. Vice Mayor Rabat-Gayta, Mr. Ding Camua of the Mati Water Task Force, and Hon. Kap. Edgar Valera of Brgy. Sainz.
Mati City is a 5th class city in Davao Oriental, with a population of nearly 150,000 persons. SBRI projects to serve 7,000 customers during the first 5 years by constructing and operating surface treatment facilities in Mati Creek initially, and the Bitanagan River afterwards as part of a broader strategy.