Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc., operating under the trade name Vivant Water, has signed a 25-year joint venture agreement with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to supply potable water to Metro Cebu, amid ongoing concerns over water shortages in the region.
Under the agreement, Vivant Water will operate a seawater desalination plant in Cordova, Cebu, with a production capacity of up to 20 million liters per day, Cebu Business News reported.
The output will be supplied to MCWD for distribution across Metro Cebu.
The move comes as the province grapples with rising water demand driven by rapid urbanization and climate-related pressures.
In early 2024, Cebu City declared a water crisis linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which triggered a daily shortfall of 40,000 cubic meters in water supply.
The deficit later ballooned to 50,000 cubic meters, affecting areas including Talisay and southern Cebu City.
“This landmark partnership with MCWD is a testament to our long-term vision of providing sustainable and impactful projects that propel economic growth and improve everyday living,” said Vivant Corporation CEO Arlo Sarmiento in a statement.
Vivant Water, through its subsidiary Isla Mactan Cordova Corporation (IMCC), is the first company in the Philippines to develop a utility-scale desalination plant. The project is intended to reduce dependence on traditional freshwater sources and enhance the region’s climate resilience.
“Water security is essential to sustainable development, and this agreement showcases our dedication to innovative solutions,” Sarmiento added.
The joint venture marks the culmination of a five-year process, which began with MCWD’s public call for proposals in 2020 under the National Economic and Development Authority’s joint venture guidelines. Vivant Water was awarded the project in February 2022 following a competitive selection process.
Vivant Corporation (PSE: VVT) is a listed holding firm with investments across electric power generation, distribution, and retail, and has recently diversified into the water sector, including desalination, wastewater treatment, and water distribution.
Cebu Lifestyle Channel