Over 60 organizations from Cebu and Negros united to launch the “Save Tañon Strait” campaign last September 18 to oppose the planned expansion of the coal-fired power plant Therma Visayas Incorporated (TVI) of the Aboitiz family in Toledo City, Cebu. Church people such as the Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental, environmental groups, youth and others from the Visayas led the campaign.

The groups oppose the TVI as it will destroy the Tañon Strait, the second largest marine protected area in the country and recognized as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA). The strait is between the province of Cebu and the island of Negros with an area of 521,018 hectares. Fourteen species of whales and dolphins, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, have been documented here.

The groups asserted that the expansion plan violates the moratorium imposed by the Department of Energy on coal in 2020 and the Extended National Integrated Protected Area System (ENIPAS) Act. They questioned Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla’s approval of the said expansion in 2023. A corruption and administrative case has already been filed against Sec. Lotilla in July.

Aboitiz Power is currently obtaining a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Construction of its third plant is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2028.

San Carlos’ Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said the world is already suffering greatly due to the existing environmental crisis, but instead of taking action to protect natural resources, those in power lead the way in allowing harmful projects. “What use is the declaration of a protected area when permits are still given for destructive projects that will affect the IMMA?” the bishop added.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) also expressed support for the campaign. In its consultation with fisherfolk in Cebu and Negros island, more than 40,000 registered fisherfolk will be affected if the Tañon Strait is destroyed.

“Based on the experience of fisherfolk, the coal-fired power plant’s wastewater discharge has severely damaged the fishery resulting in contamination of the sea and poisoning of the fish,” Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya second president and Koalisyong Makabayan senatorial candidate, said.

Pamalakaya emphasizes the accountability of the Marcos regime that promised to abandon coal for “clean energy.” “If the Marcos Jr administration does not stop the impending expansion of the coal-fired power plant in Cebu, it will only prove its insincerity to resolve the climate crisis,” Arambulo said.

The group added that they continue to communicate with the local communities of fisherfolk around the Tañon Strait to determine their situation and intensify the call for the protection of their fisheries from destructive projects and businesses.