The Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) has logged PHP2.52 million in total water savings, representing a 47.3-percent reduction in expenses in the past two years, following improvement of its water system.

The average cost per cubic meter dropped from PHP76.35 in 2023 to PHP42.92 in 2025, or a 43.8-percent decrease, resulting in savings of about PHP33.43 per cubic meter or equivalent to PHP2.2 million annually based on typical consumption levels, according to EVMC.

Dr. Joseph Michael Jaro, EVMC medical center chief, attributed these savings to a shift from a costly dual-supplier setup to a hybrid system combining commercial and internal water sources.

This approach allowed the hospital to reduce dependence on high-cost suppliers while strengthening its capacity for sustainable operations.

“The transition to integrated and automated systems has enabled EVMC to manage costs effectively without compromising service quality,” Jaro said in a statement on Wednesday.

In July 2024, EVMC completed the installation and commissioning of an automated water storage system equipped with glass reinforced plastic water tanks and new distribution lines for major medical facilities.

The system includes automated control pumps to ensure efficient and steady water distribution throughout the hospital, according to Jaro.

“To further secure supply, EVMC also installed two additional primary water connections from PrimeWater, addressing the previous limitation of a four-hour daily water provision,” he said.

As part of its sustainability initiatives, the hospital built rainwater collection tanks with membrane filtration and automated chlorination systems adjacent to the Outpatient Department building.

A 5,000-liter stainless steel vertical water storage system was also completed last year to support the operating room complex.

Additionally, the cistern system at the multi-disciplinary building was optimized to augment the hospital’s water reserves.

EVMC, the only level 3 hospital in Eastern Visayas, has a bed capacity of 629 although patient number could go as high as 1,300 in some months. (PNA)