SUBIC, Zambales- Crystal Bridges Holding Corporation (CBHC) took over the management and operation of Villar Group’s PrimeWater in the distribution of water supply in this municipality.
This developed after Puregold Price Club owner Lucio Co’s CHBC acquired 100% of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.’s stocks from the Villar group relinquishing the management and operation of Subic Water District starting May 11, 2026.SUBIC
The announcement was made during the media briefing attended by senior officials of PrimeWater led by its president Engr. Jose Paulino Santamarina, and Gen. Mgr. Engr. Jose Dinulong; Subic mayor Jon Khonghn, Cong. Jay Khonghun (1st Dist., Zambales), Chairperson Paulyn Goña of Subic Water District, and other PrimeWater officials.
Santamarina apologized to thousands of household or 35% of water consumers in Subic town for the experienced water problem. “We recognize the effect of water disruption to businesses and households. We apologize to the public for the hardship they experienced,” he said.
Santamarina noted that under the new management, some initiatives will be implemented within the year to improve and provide steady and strong flow water in every household even after rainy season. These include the construction of initial three additional deep wells, and replacing all old pipes with new ones.
Meanwhile, Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun expressed his extreme disappointment over the Villar’s group saying, “Pinabayaan po talaga kami ng PrimeWater (We were totally neglected by PrimeWater). This should not happen again under Crystal Bridges.”
“We were promised before of development and better services by the Villar group, but none was delivered. Under Lucio Co’s control, we expect true and better services,” said Cong. Jay Khonghun in Tagalog.
Asked if Lucio Co is willing to spend so much money for the rehabilitation of Subic Water District, Engr. Santamarina replied that the new management has the commitment, and already prepared the resources and the funds are ready.
“Crystal Bridges will be paying all what was left by the former management. It acknowledges that there are more things that needs to be paid, and there is sufficient fund for the rehabilitation of water system in Subic,” Santamarina said.
As part of the monitoring, Cong. Khonghun, Mayor Jon Khonghun, and Engr. Dinulong require the new management to submit of its program plan, the improvement to be made, and the time line for each project.
“While we are improving water services in all barangays of Subic, there shall be no water rate increase until all the promised improvement are accomplished and the consumers are satisfied with our services,” Santamarina said. (Ruben A. Veloria)
New Management. Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun (2nd, left) announces the new management of PrimeWater Infras. under Crystal Bridges Holding Corp. which promises to improve water supply in the whole town o Subic. Other officials in photo are (from left) PrimeWater president Engr. Jose Paulino Santamarina, Cong. Jay Khonghun (1st Dist., Zambales), Subic Vice Mayor Lauro Simbol, Subic Water District Gen. Mgr. Engr. Jose Dinulong, and SWD Chairperson Paulyn Goña. (RAV)
