MANILA, Oct. 16 -- Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday said Hungary is set to finalize a USD33-million (about PHP1.9 billion) loan agreement with the Philippines for the establishment of water treatment and desalination facilities aimed at improving access to clean water and strengthening the country's climate resilience.

Zubiri made the announcement after the courtesy call of Hungarian National Assembly Speaker Laszlo Kover on Senate President Vicente Sotto III at the Senate on Wednesday, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Zubiri, who also serves as president of the Philippines-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the proposed project highlights the growing partnershi...