Why Water: A Journey with Cecilia Reyes 

25 Years of Purpose: Cecilia Reyes on People, Progress, and the Power of Water

In a conversation with Cecilia Reyes, Office and HR Manager at Ovivo Middle East, she shares her 25-year journey in water treatment, one of dedication, growth and purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder of why water matters and why people are at the heart of everything we do.

Her Journey:

Born and raised in the Philippines, Cecilia moved to the UAE in 1992 after her secretarial studies. Her first job was in a remittance center, a connection to the Filipino community and their families back home. But everything changed in 2000, when she stepped into the world of water.
Her journey began with a filtration company based in Dubai, and in 2005, she chose to follow two trusted mentors to Christ Water, acquired by Ovivo in 2009. Her decision was about trust, growth, and believing in something bigger. Since 2005, she’s remained a dedicated member of the team, supporting water projects across the Middle East.

The Significance of Water:

Her perspective on water transformed when she moved to the Middle East. Coming from the Philippines, a country rich with natural waterfalls and abundant freshwater, she never imagined that water could be a scarce resource. But in the Middle East, where seawater is the primary source, she came to understand just how precious and complex water management truly is.
From helping turn seawater into drinking water to explaining desalination processes to friends and family, she became a water advocate. “Water is our health,” she says simply. “You can’t live without water.”

Why Water with Ovivo?

For 25 years, she’s been a part of the water treatment field, and Ovivo has been more than a workplace. “It’s my extended home,” she says. Her role spans everything from logistics to invoicing to sourcing parts for critical projects across Dubai, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
What started as a job to help support her family evolved into a career fueled by pride, purpose, and deep connection. “Ovivo gave me the trust and space to grow. I’m very committed to this company.” For her, success isn’t just about results, it’s about people. She highlights the strength of Ovivo’s global team and the sense of community that comes with being part of something meaningful.

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

As demand for clean water rises, so does the responsibility of the industry. From increasing inquiries to new customer relationships, she sees constant momentum. “There are lots of opportunities. The water industry is always growing.” Whether it’s sustainable energy solutions like green hydrogen or solar-powered systems, innovation is shaping a more resilient future.
But with growth comes urgency. “The biggest problem today is that we’re running out of clean water. Sources are limited, and some are already polluted.” Still, she remains optimistic. “Awareness is growing. Every day, we receive requests, especially for drinking water. People are paying attention.”
After decades in the field, her passion hasn’t wavered. She cannot envision doing something else, because for her, water isn’t just work, it’s life.