The Malaybalay City Water District (MCWD) has officially issued a notice to pre-terminate its 25-year Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation, citing repeated instances of non-compliance and material breaches of the agreement despite multiple formal notices and opportunities for corrective action. The decision follows a 90-day negotiation period during which PrimeWater failed to demonstrate genuine cooperation, leading to a declaration of bad faith. MCWD has given PrimeWater 45 days to respond and coordinate the terms of the pre-termination and the turnover of the water system. MCWD General Manager Nolito Binahon stated that the termination was due to unresolved supply issues, unfinished projects, and unfulfilled investment commitments. MCWD assured that water supply operations will continue despite the termination. PrimeWater, owned by Crystal Bridges Holding Corporation since 2025, signed the JVA with MCWD in 2020, committing ₱100 million annually for improvements over the first five years. Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran criticized the agreement for bypassing the City Council and public hearings, noting that a petition to cancel the JVA was dismissed on technical grounds. The city’s water system, originally designed for three areas, expanded to other barangays, causing supply shortages. Several areas in Malaybalay continue to experience prolonged water interruptions despite PrimeWater’s involvement.
