Primewater is FOR SALE but no one seems to want to buy it
Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, is grappling with a water supply crisis that has left residents frustrated and questioning the effectiveness of their water service provider. The partnership between the Malaybalay City Government Water Supply System (MCGWSS) and PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation, a company controlled by the wealthy Villar family, has become a focal point of criticism as water quality and availability continue to deteriorate.
A few weeks ago, Senator Camille Villar even asked to meet with Malaybalay Mayor Warren Pabillaran to seek his support on deferring the supposed suspension of the service contract between the LGU and Primewater. Villar asked for “2 to 3 months.” Pabillaran, however, told Villar that it is up to the city council.
On September 17, 2025, however, Primewater Malaybalay again earned the ire of its consumers after they shut off the water supply “due to a leakage in an 8-inch transmission line that is currently undergoing repair.” This has caused outrage yet again and, quite incidentally, after a Malaybalay councilor called for Primewater’s business permit cancellation.
According to a report by Insider PH, Primewater is UP FOR SALE. However, the Villar-owned company is priced so exorbitantly.
Manuel V. Pangilinan a.k.a. MVP of Metro Pacific is still interested, according to the report. However, Maynilad Water Services and Manila Water Co. aren’t.
A concessionaire said that Primewater was offered but there were “too many problems and they’re asking for the moon.” Another source from a third business group noted that the Villars were selling all of PrimeWater when just some of its assets appeared attractive.
Malaybalay City’s water consumers are among Primewater’s 1.7 Million customers across the country.
