Maynilad partners with MetraWeather for data analysis��

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. has tapped international weather intelligence provider MetraWeather to improve its climate data analysis and forecasting, which will allow quicker interventions on weather disturbances that affect the delivery of water service.��

The west zone water concessionaire said Metraweather has mounted automated weather stations in several locations at the Angat, Ipo, La Mesa, and Laguna Lake watersheds for constant calibration and validation of weather models to improve accuracy of weather forecasts.�� ��

“The site-specific forecasts of Metraweather on rainfall patterns, wind direction, and temperature in vital watersheds will yield valuable advance information on weather trends that could impact Maynilad operations, such as sudden increases in the turbidity level of raw water at Ipo Dam,” the water provider said in a statement.�� ��

Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado said the partnership with MetraWeather is part of the company’s response to the impact of climate change.

“Given this, we have to keep stepping up our interventions so that water service can be sustained despite inclement weather. It all starts with getting more in-depth data on the status of our watersheds,” he said.�� ��

Meanwhile, Maynilad also commissioned MetraWeather to re-examine weather data since 2010 and provide a climate outlook that will help the water provider to craft immediate, short-term, and long-term initiatives to address changing water demands.�� ��

Maynilad provides water to customers in Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, Manila, Makati, and Quezon City, as well as parts of Cavite province including Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which has a majority stake in Maynilad, is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in ����ý through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave��