Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) began receiving desalinated water from Isla Mactan Cordova Corporation (IMCC), a subsidiary of Vivant Water, on July 1.
Representatives from MCWD, Vivant Water, and the local government of Cordova convened at the water injection point for the ceremonial tapping connecting IMCC’s supply to MCWD’s distribution system. The initial delivery will provide 5,000 cubic meters of potable desalinated water to the MCWD network, with supply to be increased in phases toward the full 20,000 cubic-meter commitment as intake systems are further stabilized. The additional water supply comes at a crucial time as MCWD prepares for the anticipated effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to support close to 30,000 Cebuano households.
The partnership forms part of MCWD’s continuing effort to expand and diversify water sources for Metro Cebu. With rapid economic activity, climate variability, and growing demand placing greater importance on long-term water planning, MCWD has been working with partners that can help bring additional climate-resilient supply into the system.
“The MCWD administration has been actively looking for partners who understand the urgency of Cebu’s water needs and share our vision of serving Cebuanos better,” said Atty. John Dx Lapid, MCWD General Manager “With Vivant Water, we found a company that sees this situation through the same lens. That makes this partnership personal, and it makes every step intentional. This is about bringing additional water supply to the communities we serve while building stronger foundations for Cebu’s future,” added Ruben Almendras, MCWD Board Chairman.
The partnership follows the Joint Venture Agreement signed in April 2025 between MCWD and Vivant Water for the delivery of 20,000 cu.m. of desalinated water to Metro Cebu. “Vivant aims to create solutions for our changing world. But before we speak of a sustainable tomorrow, we must first help sustain what is needed here at home – where responsibility feels most personal,” said Vivant Corporation CEO Arlo Sarmiento.
Experts have continued to point to the need for Metro Cebu to add more climate-resilient water sources to help ease pressure on groundwater systems and reduce the long-term risks linked to aquifer stress and overextraction. Desalination adds a source that does not draw from groundwater or surface water systems, giving MCWD another supply option to support Cebu’s continued growth.
“This is a milestone not only for us but for the country,” said Vivant Water President Jess Anthony Garcia. “But more than that, we are in a race with nature. The sooner we bring climate-resilient sources online, the sooner we can help reduce stress on our aquifers and protect the natural resources that Cebu’s future depends on.”
Water is often one of the most overlooked foundations of progress, yet every home, business, school, hospital, and community depends on it. With MCWD bringing desalinated water into its system, and Vivant Water serving as its partner in delivery, Metro Cebu takes another step toward a more sustainable and future-resilient water supply.
