The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has signed a 25-year joint venture agreement with Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc., operating under the trade name Vivant Water, to bolster water supply in Metro Cebu amid growing shortages.
Under the deal, Vivant Water will supply up to 20 million liters of desalinated water daily from its plant in Cordova, Cebu, to MCWD, which will distribute the water to its customers.
The agreement comes as Metro Cebu faces mounting pressure on its water supply due to population growth, rapid urban development, and climate-related disruptions. In early 2024, Cebu City declared a water crisis triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, which led to a daily shortfall of 50,000 cubic meters.
The new partnership aims to help address the supply gap and improve water security for the province. Vivant’s desalination facility, operated through its subsidiary Isla Mactan Cordova Corporation, is the first utility-scale seawater desalination plant in the Philippines.
“Vivant is committed to investing in essential infrastructure that enables communities to thrive,” said Arlo Sarmiento, CEO of Vivant Corporation. “This landmark partnership with MCWD reflects our long-term vision of delivering sustainable and impactful projects that support economic growth.”
The joint venture agreement is the culmination of a five-year process initiated by MCWD’s 2020 call for proposals under the National Economic and Development Authority’s joint venture guidelines. Vivant Water was awarded the project in 2022 following a competitive selection process.
Desalination is increasingly seen as a scalable solution for water-scarce areas. MCWD said the partnership with Vivant marks a critical step in reducing dependence on traditional freshwater sources and ensuring a resilient supply system for the region.
“Water security is essential to sustainable development, and this agreement showcases our dedication to innovative solutions,” Sarmiento said.
Vivant Corporation is a publicly listed holding company with interests in power and water infrastructure. Its water portfolio includes desalination, bulk supply, wastewater treatment, and distribution.
Cebu Business News