Vivant Water has started delivering desalinated water to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), kicking off the operational rollout of a long-term supply agreement that expands the company’s water infrastructure business.

MCWD said Thursday it began receiving desalinated water from Isla Mactan Cordova Corp. (IMCC), a subsidiary of Vivant Water, on 1 July after the companies connected the desalination plant to the utility’s distribution network.

The initial delivery consists of 5,000 cubic meters of potable desalinated water, with supply set to increase in phases until the full 20,000-cubic-meter daily commitment under the parties’ joint venture agreement is reached as intake systems are stabilized. 

The deliveries mark the implementation of the joint venture agreement signed by MCWD and Vivant Water in April 2025 as the water district works to diversify its supply sources amid rising demand, rapid economic growth, and climate-related risks in Metro Cebu.

Vivant Corp. Chief Executive Officer Arlo Sarmiento said the project reflects the company’s strategy of developing sustainable infrastructure solutions.

“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,” Sarmiento said.

Desalination provides an alternative water source that does not rely on groundwater or surface water, helping reduce pressure on Metro Cebu’s aquifers while improving the region’s long-term water resilience.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to provide water to nearly 30,000 households.