Vivant Water has increased its stake in Puerto Princesa’s only wastewater treatment facility, strengthening the role of water infrastructure in the broader energy–water nexus as cities face rising demand for both electricity and clean water services.

Through its subsidiary Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc. (VHHI), the company acquired an additional 45% equity stake in Faith Lived Out Visions 2 Ventures Holdings Inc. (FLOWs), raising its ownership to 90%. FLOWs is the private sector partner of the local government for the Puerto Princesa Wastewater Reclamation and Learning Center (PPWRLC).

The facility is the city’s sole wastewater and septage treatment plant.

Located along Puerto Princesa Bay, PPWRLC has a treatment capacity of two million liters per day (MLD) of wastewater and 70 cubic meters per day (CMD) of septage. It serves households and commercial establishments across the city and began operations in January 2022.

Wastewater treatment plants are among the most energy-intensive components of urban infrastructure. Electricity is required to power pumps, aeration systems, filtration processes, and monitoring equipment that keep treatment systems running continuously.

As a result, the relationship between water services and energy consumption has become a growing focus for infrastructure developers and utilities.

By increasing its stake in the facility, Vivant Water aims to strengthen operational management while improving efficiency across the plant’s treatment processes.

“Wastewater management is just as important as water supply in protecting the environment and meeting future needs,” said Atty. Jess Garcia, president of Vivant Water. “We see wastewater treatment as part of a circular system that recovers resources, protects ecosystems, and ensures a sustainable water supply for communities.”

The plant has already played a major role in improving water quality in Puerto Princesa Bay.

A 2025 wastewater treatment efficacy study conducted by the Institute of Biology, Marine Science Institute, and Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology at the University of the Philippines Diliman showed up to a 99% reduction in coliform levels in treated effluent samples.

The improvements in water quality have helped restore marine ecosystems in the area. Puerto Princesa has also resumed hosting international triathlon events, while sightings of marine species such as dugongs have been reported again in the bay.

PPWRLC operates through a tripartite partnership between the private sector, the Puerto Princesa City Government, and the Puerto Princesa City Water District.

The project is part of Vivant Water’s strategy to expand its footprint across the water value chain, including bulk water supply, wastewater management, and future water distribution.

The company is also developing the Isla Mactan Cordova Corporation (IMCC) desalination facility in Metro Cebu. Once operational in 2026, it is expected to become the Philippines’ first utility-scale seawater desalination plant.

Through the Puerto Princesa facility, Vivant Water aims to strengthen environmental protection while supporting the city’s long-term water security.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.