Vivant Corp. water unit Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc. (Vivant Water) has signed a 25-year joint venture with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to supply Metro Cebu with clean, potable water through a large-scale desalination facility in Cordova, Cebu.
The project will deliver up to 20 million liters of potable water daily to MCWD for distribution to its customers across Metro Cebu. Developed by Vivant Water’s subsidiary, Isla Mactan Cordova Corp., the plant marks the country’s first utility-scale seawater desalination facility using advanced electrically charged membrane technology.
“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 in the communities that we serve,” said Arlo Sarmiento, CEO of Vivant Corp., in a statement on Thursday.
The venture not only reinforces Vivant’s expansion into essential infrastructure but also aligns with its broader strategy to diversify beyond power. Although its water segment remains in the investment phase, the company sees strong medium-term potential.
This develops on the heels of Vivant’s solid 2024 financial performance, with net income rising 4 percent year-on-year to ₱2.4 billion, and consolidated revenues soaring 47.3 percent to ₱12.2 billion. While power generation still dominates its income portfolio, the company views water utilities as a strategic growth area amid increasing demand and environmental challenges.
For consumers, the desalination plant offers a stable, long-term alternative to dwindling freshwater sources. The initiative helps mitigate risks from climate change and rapid urbanization by lessening dependence on traditional water reserves.
“Water security is essential to sustainable development, and this agreement showcases our dedication to innovative solutions,” Sarmiento said. “Desalination provides a viable and scalable alternative to meet Cebu’s growing demand.”
The project originated from a 2020 MCWD invitation for proposals to build a bulk water supply facility, with Vivant winning the bid in 2022 after a competitive process.
With this major infrastructure in place, both Vivant and MCWD aim to ensure that Metro Cebu’s residents and businesses have reliable access to clean water for decades to come.
