Driving what’s next for the Philippines, together

Water security is a key focus for Hitachi. Through innovative water solutions and close collaboration with partners, we help strengthen water resilience and support sustainable urban development in the Philippines.

Over a two-year period, Hitachi worked with Maynilad Water Services, Inc, which provides water and wastewater services for 17 cities and municipalities in the capital’s West Zone.
 

With a goal of delivering smart wastewater treatment and a sustainable water solution, the Hitachi team first had to overcome several challenges. These included the unique local environment, such as nearby rivers, and strict wastewater discharge guidelines, that requires the removal of pollutants and nutrients that could harm ecosystems.
 

“With all of that, they were able to adapt and adjust to our demands” says Chris Lichauco, Maynilad’s Chief Operating Officer. The result was a multi-barrier water recycling system of reverse osmosis, ultraviolet disinfection and advanced oxidation processes that converts wastewater into clean drinking water. Also known as New Water, the high-grade recycled water supplements Maynilad’s water resources, and supports long-term sustainability.

He adds, “We're very proud of New Water because it treats wastewater effluent into potable water. We're very happy with our collaboration with Hitachi. They did not come in just as a technology provider.” He further comments that New Water project received continuous support from Hitachi, even after the system was delivered for the Pasay New Water Treatment Plant.

“We believe water challenges cannot be solved by technology alone, they require long-term vision, strong partnerships, and integrated solutions” pointed out by Maricris Kobayashi, Hitachi’s General Manager for the Philippine Water & Environment Business Unit.
 

She adds that wastewater should be seen as a valuable resource, and that reuse plays an important role in maximising environmental and social benefits.

Beyond delivering advanced water infrastructure, the team continues to push ahead, exploring what’s next through digital solutions that unlock smarter, more sustainable water operations.

Hitachi collaborated with Metro Pacific Water Solutions (MPWS) to cocreate a digital platform that supports real-time monitoring and data driven decision-making for engineers.
 

“Hitachi worked closely with our teams to co‑develop a digital platform that delivers real‑time data, advanced analytics, and customisable dashboards” says Norbert Roda, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Pacific Water Solutions, who sought to provide greater efficiency for his teams.
 

As a service provider, MPWS needed a smart, integrated digital solution to support the growing sustainability demands of clients managing malls, office buildings and resorts. At the same time, MPWS aimed optimise manpower and safety requirements while reducing reliance on manual forms and the risk of human error.

By integrating Hitachi’s MIZU-LINK into MPWS’ operations, engineers have benefited significantly from the remote monitoring, real-time data acquisition and AI-driven analytics.
 

“This transformation has empowered our people. Our collaboration has proven impactful, bringing meaningful value to the communities we serve” Roda adds, describing the improved workflows enabled by the Hitachi cloud-based platform. Through a single, user-friendly interface, MPWS engineers can now monitor, manage, and optimise water and energy consumption of customers, from at their office computer or handheld devices, anywhere. 

Beyond infrastructure and utilities, Hitachi’s digital solutions have also actively contributed to the Philippine financial sector. To support Filipinos through financial inclusion, Hitachi introduced Cash Recycling Machines at 24/7 convenience stores to support individuals who transfer funds home using money-wire services.
 

Following the introduction of the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap and tighter online transaction rules, Hitachi collaborated with CTBC Bank Philippines, to make internet and mobile banking more user-friendly, faster, convenient, and secure, helping banks meet evolving regulatory and customer needs.

As digital finance continues to evolve, Hitachi is strengthening its role in supporting more inclusive and secure financial services in the Philippines.
 

“By working closely with partners, Hitachi is helping make digital financial services more accessible, affordable, and secure, while exploring the potential of sustainable financing and green loans,” says Lourdes Yap, Senior Director of Sales, Marketing and Business Development at Hitachi Asia.

Reflecting on Hitachi’s long‑term approach in the Philippines, Atsushi Kato, General Manager for Hitachi Asia (Philippines), shares:

“The challenges we face today push us to think and act differently for tomorrow. By thinking ahead about what’s next, we can anticipate future needs and co‑create long‑lasting, sustainable solutions.”
 

With a strong foundation built on partnership and innovation, Hitachi sees the Philippines not only as a growing economy, but as a society with the potential to lead in sustainable, people centric innovation. By working closely with local partners across sectors, Hitachi remains committed to supporting the Philippines not just in meeting today’s challenges, but in shaping what’s next, together.