Activists launch “Save Tañon Street” campaign

CEBU CITY — Lawyers from Negros and Cebu launched the “Save the Tañon Road' campaign, a network calling for the protection of the marine landscape of the Tañon Strait against the backdrop of the expansion of the Therma Visayas Incorporated (TVI) coal-fired power plant from Aboitiz in Toledo, Cebu.

The Tañon Strait, the country's second-largest marine protected area, is classified as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA), and advocates say the expansion will “impact the biodiversity of the area and the coastal communities that depend on it.”

“We live in a time when the earth is calling us to protect it, but our politicians are going backwards. The Tañon Strait is one of the largest protected areas in the Philippines, a seascape that provides millions of lives and wealth. What is the use of declaring it a protected area if permits continue to be issued for destructive projects that will affect the IMMA?” said the Bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos, the Most Reverend Gerry Alminaza.

Earlier this month, the coalition of stakeholders issued a joint statement against the coal expansion of Therma Visayas Incorporated (TVI) Unit 3, saying the expansion violates the Department of Energy’s (DOE) coal moratorium for 2020 and the Enhanced National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act.”

So far, the joint statement has received 64 signatures from organizations in Cebu and Negros.

“Coal is far from being a reliable, cost-effective and accessible energy source as Aboitiz claims. Power outages in homes and businesses are increasingly caused by frequent malfunctions in coal-powered systems. Research shows that coal is also the main reason for rising electricity prices. With TVI's Unit 3 set to be built in the Tañon section, it is hard to convince people of stability, especially when it puts an important marine protected area at risk,” said Krishna Ariola, climate and energy program director of the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED).

“TVI’s coal-fired power plants are located in the coastal zone of Toledo and the power plant uses water from the Strait of Tañon for its cooling system, which increases local water temperatures, which could have direct impacts on surrounding marine ecosystems and fishing grounds,” said Nicasio Blanca, president of Limpiyo ang Hangin Alang sa Tanan (LAHAT).

“Negrosans and Cebuanos are connected not only by the seascape of the Tañon Strait but also by the strong opposition to dirty energy projects, especially coal. The people of Cebu draw strength from their past victories and their cooperation with Negros' stewards for people and the environment,” he added.

The environmentalists from Negros and Cebu criticized Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Lotilla for his decision to greenlight TVI's coal expansion despite it being a violation of the DOE's coal moratorium, stressing that “the health and livelihood of communities as well as the integrity of the Tanon Road are at stake.”

“We call on the government officials of Cebu Province to join the voice of the people and unite for the protection of our beloved Tanon Road. It is high time that politicians declare their stance on this project so that we know who is truly serious about their commitment to the environment and our common home. We appeal to your humanity and servant leadership; hear our cries and fight with us,” Bishop Alminaza added.

The Save Tañon Strait network includes cross-sectoral groups from the church, NGOs, youth groups and environmental organizations, including the Diocese of San Carlos, CEED, Oceana Philippines, LAHAT and Youth for Climate Hope, among others.

Paderno Dugnano, massacre, told by the police: the details of the investigation

Sparrow on TV - Show

Schweinsburg's appeal against Merz's AfD firewall

Activists launch “Save Tañon Street” campaign

Related posts:

By Hudson Brooklyn

You Missed

Princess Eugenie: “Cruel accident”! The drama surrounding her grandmother Susan

Evaxion launches enhanced AI immunology platform for vaccine antigen prediction Page 1

Guardians secure AL playoff spot with walk-off win over Twins

Unwind on TV – broadcast

Activists launch “Save Tañon Street” campaign

Related posts:

By Hudson Brooklyn

Related Post

Princess Eugenie: “Cruel accident”! The drama surrounding her grandmother Susan

Evaxion launches enhanced AI immunology platform for vaccine antigen prediction Page 1

Guardians secure AL playoff spot with walk-off win over Twins

You Missed

Princess Eugenie: “Cruel accident”! The drama surrounding her grandmother Susan

Evaxion launches enhanced AI immunology platform for vaccine antigen prediction Page 1

Guardians secure AL playoff spot with walk-off win over Twins

Unwind on TV – broadcast