THERMA Visayas Inc. (TVI), a subsidiary of AboitizPower, has collected nearly 11,500 kilograms of marine waste through its flagship environmental program Scubasurero, an ongoing coastal and underwater cleanup campaign aimed at protecting the marine ecosystem of the Tañon Strait.
Launched in 2022, the initiative has evolved from an employee-led volunteer effort into a fully integrated sustainability program in partnership with government agencies, civil society groups, and local communities.
The most recent cleanup, held Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Barangay Bato, Toledo City, marked another milestone in the company’s broader push for environmental accountability and marine conservation.
Scubasurero is a reflection of what we can achieve when people come together for a common cause and how it can lead to real, lasting impact,” said Emalyn Sevilla, environmental supervisor of TVI, in a statement. “Our work beneath the waves is just one part of a bigger picture—one where businesses, communities and institutions unite to care for the environment we all rely on.”
The latest cleanup recorded only 35 kilograms of waste—down sharply from 408 kilograms in 2022—signaling stronger local participation and growing awareness around environmental protection. The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, the Philippine Coast Guard, Toledo Spearo and community-based organizations like the Toledo United Farmers, Fishermen and Women Workers (TUFFWOW).
Sustainability beyond cleanup
Scubasurero forms part of TVI’s larger sustainability framework, which includes Project Brick, a circular economy initiative that transforms fly ash — a byproduct of power generation — into eco-bricks and pavers. Through this project, more than 1,500 eco-bricks and 15,000 eco pavers have been produced in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and TUFFWOW, contributing both to environmental protection and local livelihood development.
TVI’s sustainability efforts also extend to land-based conservation. Its Carbon Sink Management Program, launched in 2016, recently achieved a key milestone by planting over one million native and fruit-bearing trees across Cebu — three years ahead of its 2027 target.
“This kind of work doesn’t happen in silos,” said Noel Cabahug, vice president for facilities - Visayas. “Our efforts — whether underwater, on land, or through community programs — are made possible by the partnerships we’ve cultivated with local stakeholders. Together, we’re not just advancing our business, but also creating shared value and resilience for the communities around us.” / KOC