FLOWs serves as the private sector partner of the Puerto Princesa local government in Puerto Princesa Wastewater Reclamation and Learning Center, Inc. (PPWRLC), the city’s sole wastewater and septage treatment facility.
Following the transaction, Vivant Water’s ownership in FLOWs rose to 90 percent, aligning with the management and operational transition of the plant under new leadership, the company said in a statement.
By integrating its governance standards and operational expertise, Vivant Water aims to enhance service efficiency and support the long-term ecological sustainability of Palawan’s water systems.
Sole treatment facility
Located along Puerto Princesa Bay, PPWRLC has a contracted treatment capacity of 2 million liters per day (MLD) of wastewater, including 70 cubic meters daily (CMD) of septage.
The facility serves households and businesses across the city and has been operational since January 2022.
The plant has played a key role in rehabilitating Puerto Princesa Bay. A 2025 wastewater treatment efficacy study conducted by the University of the Philippines Diliman — through its Institute of Biology, Marine Science Institute, and Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology — found that effluent samples showed up to a 99-percent reduction in coliform levels.
The facility has also contributed to the bay’s restoration, supporting Puerto Princesa’s hosting of international triathlons and the resighting of endemic marine species such as the dugong, or sea cow.
Tripartite partnership
“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, in the statement.
“We see wastewater treatment as part of a circular system that recovers resources, protects ecosystems, and ensures a sustainable water supply for communities.”
PPWRLC operates under a tripartite partnership among the private sector, the Puerto Princesa local government, and the Puerto Princesa City Water District.
Expanding water portfolio
Vivant Water maintains a presence across the water value chain, including bulk water supply and wastewater management, and is exploring opportunities in water distribution.
Its subsidiary, Isla Mactan Cordova Corp., is developing what is poised to be the Philippines’ first utility-scale seawater desalination plant, scheduled to begin commercial operations in Metro Cebu in 2026.
Through PPWRLC and its broader portfolio, Vivant Water continues to advance solutions aimed at safeguarding public health and protecting vital ecosystems for communities in Palawan and beyond. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
