BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), the country’s largest bank by assets, has financed the expansion of Richli Water, a Tagbilaran-based utility firm, in a move that highlights the rising importance of sustainable infrastructure investment in addressing water scarcity.
The deal underscores BDO’s commitment to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, aligning commercial lending with sustainable development goals. Richli Water has used the funding to build a new treatment facility and expand its pipeline network, boosting its capacity to deliver clean, reliable water to more communities across Bohol—an island grappling with severe groundwater depletion and saltwater intrusion.
“BDO’s loan has been a game changer,” said Ralph Lim, president of Richli Water. “It’s enabled us to deliver sustainable water solutions on a larger scale and reduce dependence on groundwater.”
Richli Water’s use of surface water sources offers a more sustainable alternative to the province’s traditional reliance on aquifers, helping protect ecosystems and public health. The expansion is also set to support Bohol’s long-term growth, with plans for new treatment facilities and integrated wastewater projects underway.
The partnership signals a growing trend in private sector engagement in critical infrastructure, as financial institutions like BDO increasingly recognize the dual value of generating commercial returns while addressing urgent societal needs such as water security.
