CEBU CITY — Advocates from the islands of Negros and Cebu have launched the 'Save Tañon Strait' campaign, a network aimed at protecting the Tañon Strait seascape from the expansion of a coal-fired power plant in Toledo, Cebu.

The group said that Tañon Strait, the country's second-largest marine protected area and an important marine mammal area, is facing threats to its biodiversity, endangering both marine life and the coastal communities that depend on it.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Bishop Gerry Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos criticized leaders for approving the energy projects of the Aboitiz-owned Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI) in protected areas like Tañon Strait.
'At a time when the Earth is calling for protection, our leaders are moving backward. Tañon Strait, one of the largest protected areas in the Philippines, sustains millions of lives. How can we declare it a protected area and still issue permits for projects that harm it?' he said.
Earlier this month, a coalition of groups opposed TVI's Unit 3 coal expansion claimed that it violates the Department of Energy's (DoE) 2020 coal moratorium and the Extended National Integrated Protected Area System (Enipas) Act.
The joint statement opposing the expansion has so far been signed by 64 organizations from Cebu and Negros.
Additionally, Krishna Ariola, climate and energy program head of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), questioned the reliability of coal energy.
Ariola said that coal is far from being the reliable and cost-efficient energy source that Aboitiz claims. She pointed out that frequent malfunctions in coal-powered systems are causing more outages for households and businesses, and research shows that coal is driving up electricity prices.
'With TVI's Unit 3 planned for Tañon Strait, convincing people of stability is difficult, especially when it threatens a vital marine sanctuary,' Ariola said.
Nicasio Blanca, president of Limpiyo ang Hangin Alang sa Tanan (clean air for all), pointed out the direct impact of TVI's coal-fired power plant on the nearby marine ecosystem.
'Located in the coastal zone of Toledo, the power plant uses Tañon Strait's waters for its cooling system, raising local water temperatures and potentially harming marine life and fisheries,' he said, emphasizing the unity between Negros and Cebu residents in resisting projects that harm the environment.
'Negrosanons and Cebuanos are not only connected by Tañon Strait but also by a shared resistance to dirty energy. The people of Cebu draw strength from past victories and collaborations with Negros' environmental stewards,' he added.
The advocates called on DoE Secretary Raphael Lotilla to reconsider his approval of TVI's coal expansion, stating that the health and livelihoods of communities and the integrity of Tañon Strait are at risk.
Meanwhile, Alminaza also urged Cebu's government officials to stand with the people in protecting Tañon Strait.
'It is time for our leaders to take a clear stance on this project so we can see who truly advocates for the environment and our common home. We appeal to your humanity and leadership to hear our calls and join our fight,' he said.
The Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, located between the western coast of Cebu province and the eastern coast of Negros Island, spans 5,182 square kilometers. It has been safeguarded under Presidential Proclamation 1234 since 1998, which bans commercial fishing within its water.