In the statement, the groups raised concern that the TVI coal expansion runs contrary to the Extended National Integrated Protected Area System (ENIPAS) Act, a national law that safeguards critical biodiversity hotspots. The ENIPAS includes the Tanon Strait, an MPA situated between the two island provinces of Cebu and Negros.
“Tañon Strait is well-loved and nurtured by both the people of Cebu and Negros, because of the life it gives to its surrounding communities. This beautiful work of creation is among the few marine havens we have left, and we should protect it from any threat – especially threats from coal that should have been long phased out due to its grave impacts on the environment and human lives,” said Bishop Gerry Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos, Negros Occidental.
The Tañon Strait is a key biodiversity area and major fishing ground totaling 521,018 hectares, and an important marine mammal area (IMMA) with a documented 14 species of whales and dolphins, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
“Nilalabag ng mga planta ng coal ang karapatan naming mabuhay sa isang malinis at maayos na kapaligiran. Lubhang naaapektuhan na ang kalusugan at hanapbuhay namin, at mas lalala ito kapag patuloy pa ang pagtangkilik ng ating gobyerno sa coal. Hindi namin ito pwedeng palampasin,” said Nicasio Blanco, president of Limpiyo ang Hangin Alang sa Tanan (LAHAT), an environmental group based in Toledo.
The joint statement also expressed alarm over the project’s violation of the 2020 coal moratorium implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE), and questioned DOE Secretary Lotilla’s decision to greenlight TVI’s coal expansion. The groups mentioned the glaring issue of conflict of interest, given Lotilla’s prominent former position as Lead Independent Director of coal proponent Aboitiz.
It gathered over 50 signatories from church leaders and formations, renewable energy advocacy groups, labor groups, youth organizations, and fisherfolk associations within the Tañon Strait area.
“Isipin sana ng DOE na kami at ang kapaligiran namin ang nagiging koteral sa mga maling desisyon nilang pagpapahintulot sa nakakasirang proyektong ito,” added Blanco.
Last month, coal industry players – reportedly including businesses associated with Aboitiz – rallied support for Lotilla amid graft charges filed against the DOE Secretary for violation of the coal moratorium through the DOE’s endorsement of TVI. A statement in support of DOE was published by Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and 8 other business groups.
“Data shows that coal plants are the main culprits behind 51% of the forced outages in the past five years. Endorsing the expansion of the TVI coal plant signals that the DOE is prioritizing outdated energy sources over the well-being of our ecosystems and future generations. Why build more plants that are unreliable and are one of the biggest threats to marine and coastal areas? Coal belongs in the past, and what DOE should be doing is to enforce a phaseout instead of giving permits to more coal projects,” Krishna Ariola, Energy and Climate Program Head of Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) said.
Disclaimer: the opinion of the writer does not represent the stand of Cebu State Media.
