Life below the surface at Therma Visayas
Dawn breaks over Toledo City and the waters of Tanon Strait shimmer with the first light of day. Beneath the surface, an extraordinary story unfolds—one that few would expect to find beneath a coal-fired power plant’s jetty.
While fishermen prepare their boats in the distance, schools of vibrant fish weave through thriving coral gardens below the power plant’s structure—a sight that challenges common perceptions about industrial facilities and marine life.
The jetty, which serves as a crucial infrastructure for Therma Visayas, Inc.’s (TVI) operations, has transformed into an artificial reef system, providing a sanctuary for marine life in the waters of Tanon Strait. Coral colonies flourish beneath its shadow, their branches reaching toward filtered sunlight, creating a complex ecosystem that supports an increasingly diverse marine community.
“What we’re witnessing here is a perfect example of how industrial development and environmental preservation can coexist,” shares Noel Q. Cabahug, Facility Head of TVI. “The corals beneath our jetty aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. It’s a testament to our commitment to responsible operations.”
A Hidden Gem: Beneath the industrial facade, TVI’s jetty harbors a thriving underwater ecosystem.
This flourishing marine ecosystem extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the plant. The Bato Marine Sanctuary, a vital part of the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape, has found an ally in TVI. Through collaborative rehabilitation efforts of TVI with the local government units and communities, the sanctuary has become a model for how industrial facilities can contribute to marine conservation.
The company’s dedication to marine preservation takes an even more hands-on approach through its Scubasurero program. Here, employees, professional divers, members of the LGU, and community members don’t just observe the marine life—they actively protect it by conducting regular underwater cleanup activities, removing debris that threaten the delicate balance of this underwater ecosystem.
A Sign of Good Health: A giant clam, an indicator of clean water, spotted at Bato Marine Sanctuary during TVI’s marine biota study.
“The waters around TVI have become a refuge for marine life. We’ve documented increasing coral coverage and fish populations, proving that with proper management and care, industry and nature can thrive together,” said Emalyn Sevilla, Environmental Supervisor of TVI.
The story of TVI’s marine conservation efforts challenges the traditional narrative about coal-fired power plants. While providing essential power to the island of Cebu, the facility has become an ally of marine biodiversity, demonstrating that responsible industrial operations can contribute to, rather than detract from, environmental preservation.
Regular marine biota monitoring by independent environmental consultants has documented the steady improvement in coral cover and fish population in the area. In the recent monitoring, results showed a total of 3,528 associated reef fish individuals belonging to 56 species and 16
Families. The waters around the facility have effectively become a protected zone, allowing marine life to flourish undisturbed by fishing activities.
TVI’s approach to environmental stewardship extends beyond its immediate vicinity. The company actively engages with local communities in coastal cleanup drives, and other marine protection awareness campaigns, creating a ripple effect of environmental consciousness throughout Toledo City. It is seen with the lessening number of plastics every clean-up and Scubasurero.
“Our responsibility doesn’t end at power generation,” explains Cabahug. “We believe in creating a positive impact in every aspect of our operations. The thriving marine life around our facility proves that with proper environmental management systems in place, power plants can operate in harmony with nature.”
“Dako jud kaayo ug natabang ang TVI sa mga mananagat dire sa Barangay Cabitoonan ug Barangay Bato. Mapasalamaton ang mga mananagat sa presensiya sa TVI dinhi sa among lugar (TVI has been a great help to the fishermen here in Barangay Cabitoonan and Barangay Bato. The fishermen are grateful for TVI’s presence in our community),” says Felix Bucao one of the members of Mid West Cebu Fisherfolks Association (MiWeCFA)
Beyond marine conservation, TVI has implemented several community projects aimed at supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk. They’ve provided 16 fiberglass motorized boats and essential fishing gear to enhance the fishing capacity of local fishers. To boost the marine ecosystem, TVI also installed five “payaw”—artificial fish shelters—to create sustainable fishing grounds. Additionally, TVI has funded the construction of 70 artificial coral reefs and conducted specialized training on reef installation to build local expertise in marine ecosystem management.
Moreover, TVI has introduced livelihood programs, from tilapia culture and bamboo crafts to ongoing seminars on fiberglass boat-making, providing the local community with diverse skills to build economic resilience. These initiatives underscore TVI’s commitment to fostering both environmental stewardship and economic empowerment within Toledo City’s coastal communities.
This harmony between industrial operations and environmental preservation showcases how modern power facilities can adapt to meet both energy demands and environmental stewardshp. As dawn breaks over Toledo City each day, the waters beneath TVI’s jetty continue to tell their story of unexpected coexistence—where infrastructure becomes habitat, and a power plant becomes a protector of marine life.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you Therma Visayas, Inc.
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