Metro Cebu has begun receiving desalinated water from Isla Mactan Cordova Corp. (IMCC), marking a major step in diversifying the region’s water supply as rising demand and climate risks put increasing pressure on traditional sources.
The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) received an initial 5,000 cubic meters of potable water on July 1 under its joint venture with IMCC, a subsidiary of Vivant Water. The volume is the first phase of a 20,000-cubic-meter daily supply agreement signed in 2025, with deliveries set to increase as the desalination facility reaches full operations.
Once fully operational, the project is expected to provide enough water for nearly 30,000 households.
The additional supply comes as Metro Cebu braces for potential dry spells and sustained population and economic growth, highlighting the need to reduce reliance on increasingly depleted groundwater and vulnerable surface water sources.
MCWD General Manager John Dx Lapid said the utility continues to pursue partnerships that will help secure Cebu’s long-term water needs, while Board Chairman Ruben Almendras described the venture as an investment in the province’s future resilience.
For Vivant Water, the project underscores the expanding role of private investment in strengthening critical water infrastructure.
Chief Executive Officer Arlo Sarmiento said the company remains focused on developing sustainable water solutions that address immediate supply challenges while building long-term resilience.
The integration of desalinated water into MCWD’s network adds a climate-resilient source to Metro Cebu’s supply portfolio, supporting reliable water access for households, businesses and industries as one of the country’s fastest-growing urban economies continues to expand.
