In 2024, AboitizPower organized a cleanup dive at its 340-megawatt Therma Visayas power plant, enlisting Scubasureros—volunteer divers whose name blends “scuba” and “basureros” (garbage collectors). Located on Cebu’s western coast, the facility sits beside the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, the country’s largest marine sanctuary, covering 534,589 hectares.
The divers, consisting of marine biologists, were surprised to find the waters around the jetty remarkably clean. Unlike other sites where trash is visible even before diving, they encountered minimal waste and instead observed healthy coral growth, diverse fish species, and a thriving underwater ecosystem.
An assessment report by Ridge to Reef validated the divers’ findings, revealing rich marine biodiversity near the power plant. The assessment recorded 56 fish species thriving in nearby coral reefs, along with six types of seagrass, 28 phytoplankton genera, and 15 macroinvertebrate species. Additionally, 14 mangrove species have been documented along the coast.
Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI), an AboitizPower subsidiary operating the power plant, runs a rainwater harvesting initiative to optimize water use. By efficiently treating seawater, the company meets both industrial and domestic needs. TVI has also established a water treatment facility capable of processing 5,608.3 cubic meters per day.
(Also read: Eco-Divers Find Rich Marine Life Under Therma Visayas Jetty)
Propagating forests and carbon sinks
As part of its sustainability efforts, AboitizPower supports land-based biodiversity conservation. Between 2017 and 2023, the company planted more than 2.5 million trees, restoring 6,127 hectares across the country.
AboitizPower’s Therma South Inc. (TSI) completed its Carbon Sink Management Program in Davao City’s Marilog District, a region encompassing Indigenous ancestral lands. Launched in 2015, the initiative, in partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), successfully planted one million trees to enhance carbon absorption and environmental sustainability.
Also in Davao City, the eight-hectare Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, serves as a hub for urban decarbonization, featuring a mangrove reforestation site and a botanical garden dedicated to growing native tree species. Following recommendations from the University of the Philippines Mindanao and the University of Southeastern Philippines, the park has expanded its tree propagation efforts, attracting a variety of bird species.
December 2024 marked another milestone when TVI achieved its 10-year goal of planting one million trees across Cebu. This initiative, also with RAFI, partnered with over 400 tree farm collaborators. It promoted environmental sustainability and provided livelihood support for farmers, who earned income from maintaining seedlings and harvesting fruit-bearing trees.
AboitizPower has spearheaded other reforestation efforts across the Philippines. Visayan
Electric Company adopted 150 hectares in Cebu’s Buhisan Watershed, planting various tree species with local caretakers. AP Renewables Inc. (APRI) rehabilitated a total of 20 hectares in Albay and Mount Makiling, planting 24,000 trees, aiming for 80% survival by 2025. AP Renewable Energy Corporation (APREC) donated 5,000 fruit-bearing saplings to Aeta communities in Zambales, supporting erosion control and livelihoods.
Commitment to renewable energy
In a recent interview, AboitizPower revealed that it aims to achieve a 50:50 balance between renewable and thermal energy by 2030. Its renewable energy projects include hydro, geothermal, and solar plants, with hydro energy contributing the largest share—15.32%—of its total net sellable capacity.
The company is also moving toward sustainable mobility with its Electric Vehicle Fleet Transformation Program, aiming for 40% of its fleet to be electric by 2030. This effort supports the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.
Sources:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/10/4/powering-future-aboitizpower-path-clean-energy
https://tribune.net.ph/2024/11/29/aboitiz-group-puts-premium-on-innovation-sustainability