BCDA teams up with Korea’s K-Water for smart water management in Baguio and La Union

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is partnering with Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water) to introduce smart water management systems in Camp John Hay in Baguio City and Poro Point in La Union.

In a recent signing of memorandum of understanding (MOUs), BCDA and its subsidiaries—John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC)—formalized the collaboration, which aims to modernize water systems through sustainable and high-tech solutions.

K-Water, known for its global leadership in water resource management, will bring its Smart Water Network Management (SWNM) system to the table. This cutting-edge technology uses AI and data-driven systems to monitor, manage, and improve water supply efficiency.

The project will begin with the deployment of Korean experts who will assess the current infrastructure at Camp John Hay and Poro Point. Their findings will be used to craft a strategic plan tailored to the environmental needs and operational conditions of both sites.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said the partnership with K-Water is a step forward in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change.

“By partnering with K-Water, we are embarking on a transformative journey that will drastically reduce water loss and establish AI-powered water purification plants that will ensure a stable and high-quality water supply for the communities we serve,” Bingcang said.

Beyond modernizing infrastructure, the agreements also open the door to collaboration in key areas such as water supply stability, leakage reduction, and exploration of new water sources. The initiative also includes opportunities for knowledge-sharing between the Philippines and South Korea in the water management sector.

This is not the first collaboration between BCDA and K-Water. In 2024, both organizations worked together on feasibility studies for a comprehensive water management plan in New Clark City, with a focus on sustainable and AI-driven solutions.

The partnership aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

 • Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

 • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

 • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

 • Goal 13: Climate Action

With smart water solutions on the horizon, BCDA continues to position its economic zones as models of innovation, sustainability, and resilience. #