Desalination part of MCWD’s long-term plan

CEBU, Philippines — Faced with mounting pressure on Cebu’s aquifers and the growing demand of a rapidly urbanizing island, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is turning to desalination again as part of its search for innovative solutions to secure long-term water supply.

The latest milestone came with the ceremonial tapping of seawater converted to potable supply, now reaching Lapu-Lapu City and communities across Mactan Island.

The event in Barangay Babag II gathered newly-appointed Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Philip Lo, MCWD officials, local leaders, and partners from Vivant Water and Vivant Corp.

Since July, desalinated water has been flowing into MCWD’s system at 5,000 cubic meters per day, part of a 20,000-cubic-meter commitment under a joint venture agreement signed in April 2025.

MCWD Chairman Ruben Almendras stressed the urgency of innovation.

“Cebu Island is a water-scarce region geographically. Finding innovative ways to provide water to the growing demand while preserving the degrading groundwater health is imminent,” Almedras said.

For decades, Cebu has relied heavily on groundwater, but over-extraction has led to saltwater intrusion, declining water tables, and reduced recharge capacity.

Past shortages during El Niño years and rationing in the 1990s exposed the vulnerability of Metro Cebu’s supply, underscoring the need for alternatives.

MCWD General Manager Atty. John DX Lapid said the new source strengthens resilience.

“This partnership with Vivant Water gives MCWD an additional supply that can help us strengthen the reliability of our water system, while preparing for the challenges that climate variability and continued growth may bring,” Lapid said.

Vivant Water President, Atty. Jess Anthony Garcia, explained the importance of desalination.

“Water is not an infinite resource, and we cannot continue relying on the same sources without considering their long-term capacity to recover. Desalination gives us another option --drawing from the sea rather than groundwater, easing pressure on our aquifers while bringing resilience closer to more Cebuano families and businesses,” Garcia explained.

Vivant Corp. CEO Arlo Sarmiento added that the milestone reflects a broader commitment to infrastructure readiness.

 “Progress must be supported by solutions that are ready for the realities of a changing world. Today, we bring that same discipline into water. This is a responsibility we carry forward with every community this supply reaches,” Sarmiento said.

Lo emphasized that OPAV’s involvement ensures alignment of local initiatives with national government programs aimed at strengthening water security across the Visayas.

Once fully operational, the facility is expected to deliver the full 20,000 cubic meters daily, supporting close to 30,000 Cebuano households. — BRP (CEBU NEWS)