Vivant Water Expands Control Over Puerto Princesa Wastewater Facility
Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc. (VHHI) has significantly increased its investment in the Puerto Princesa Wastewater Reclamation and Learning Center Inc. (PPWRLC) by acquiring an additional 45 percent equity interest. This move elevates VHHI's stake in Faith Lived Out Visions 2 Ventures Holdings Inc. (Flows), the private sector partner of the Puerto Princesa City Government, to 90 percent. As a subsidiary of Vivant Infracore Holdings Inc. under the Vivant Water group, VHHI now assumes greater management and operational control of the facility, strengthening its position in the wastewater management sector.
Key Role in Environmental Rehabilitation
The PPWRLC, located along Puerto Princesa Bay, is the city's sole wastewater and septage treatment facility. It has a contracted treatment capacity of two million liters per day of wastewater, including 70 cubic meters per day of septage, serving households and businesses. Since beginning operations in January 2022, the center has played a pivotal role in rehabilitating Puerto Princesa Bay, contributing to improved water quality and environmental health.
A 2025 study by the University of the Philippines Diliman highlighted the facility's effectiveness, showing that treated wastewater exhibited up to a 99 percent reduction in coliform levels. This improvement has enabled Puerto Princesa to host international triathlon events and has facilitated the return of historically endemic marine species, such as the dugong or sea cow, to the bay.
Strategic Vision for Sustainable Water Management
Vivant Water president Atty. Jess Anthony Garcia emphasized the importance of wastewater management in environmental protection and future resource needs. "Wastewater management is just as important as water supply in protecting the environment and meeting future needs," Garcia stated. He added, "We see wastewater treatment as part of a circular system that recovers resources, protects ecosystems and ensures a sustainable water supply for communities."
The PPWRLC operates under a tripartite partnership involving the private sector, the Puerto Princesa City Government, and the Puerto Princesa City Water District. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and public health.
Broader Expansion in Water Solutions
Vivant Water is actively expanding its presence across the water value chain, including bulk water supply, wastewater management, and potential water distribution services. One of its key projects is the Isla Mactan Cordova Corp. desalination plant, which is expected to become the Philippines' first utility-scale seawater desalination facility. Scheduled to begin commercial operations in Metro Cebu in 2026, this initiative aligns with the company's broader goal of delivering sustainable water and wastewater solutions.
Initiatives like the PPWRLC support Vivant Water's mission to safeguard environmental resources and public health while advancing innovative water management practices. The increased stake in the Puerto Princesa facility marks a significant step in enhancing wastewater treatment capabilities and promoting ecological restoration in the region.
