CEBU CITY -- Caritas Philippines and the Diocese of San Carlos have issued an urgent moral and environmental appeal on July 17, following catastrophic scientific reports showing that nearly seven out of every ten surveyed corals in Bais Bay have died after a massive wastewater spill in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) on October 26 last year.
In a formal statement titled "A Cry from Tañon Strait: An Urgent Call to Protect Our Common Home," Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, D.D., President of Caritas Philippines and Bishop of San Carlos, described the underwater devastation as not merely an environmental statistic, but a "profound moral concern."
The crisis stems from ongoing industrial wastewater contamination in Bais Bay—a critical habitat within the Tañon Strait, the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. Recent surveys conducted by marine scientists from Silliman University revealed that nearly 69% of the surveyed coral reefs in the bay have died as a result of oxygen depletion and algal blooms caused by toxic wastewater.
"Coral reefs are among God’s most beautiful and life-giving creations. They nourish fisheries, protect our coastlines, sustain countless marine species, and provide livelihood for thousands of coastal families," Bishop Alminaza stated. "When they die, creation itself cries out, and so do the poor whose lives depend upon healthy seas."
The church leader expressed deep gratitude to the scientists, marine researchers, fishers, and local advocates monitoring the situation, commending their courage in speaking the truth and emphasizing that sound science is an essential partner in responsible ecological stewardship.
Call for Government Enforcement and 'Polluter Pays' Principle
Addressing regulatory authorities and local leaders, Caritas Philippines urged government agencies to act with immediate urgency, full transparency, and strict accountability.
Bishop Alminaza called for comprehensive legal and regulatory intervention to halt ongoing pollution, enforce environmental laws, and mandate habitat restoration under the legal doctrine of the "polluter pays" principle.
He also directed an appeal to commercial entities and industrial operators situated near fragile ecosystems: "Economic activity can never be separated from moral responsibility. Genuine development must always respect the integrity of creation and the dignity of the communities whose lives depend upon it."
Highlighting the ecological significance of the region, the statement emphasized that the Tañon Strait is a vital marine sanctuary shared between the islands of Negros and Cebu, holding rich biodiversity meant for present and future generations.
Citing Pope Francis's landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, Bishop Alminaza reminded the public that "everything is connected"—linking the survival of marine ecosystems directly to the welfare of coastal families and national food security.
"The true measure of our progress is not how much wealth we extract from creation, but how faithfully we safeguard the gift that God has entrusted to us. Future generations will judge us not by our intentions, but by the seas, forests, and communities we leave behind,” the statement concluded.
Key findings on pollution in the TSPS
Based on reports and field assessments from Silliman University Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) and the SU Angelo King Center for Research & Environmental Management, here are the key findings on pollution in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS):
On October 26, 2025, the Universal Robina Corp. (URC) Bais Distillery wastewater lagoon collapsed and some 255,000 cubic meters of untreated molasses ethanol wastewater "spent wash/vinasse" spilled into Bais Bay, Tañon Strait, reportedly killing 12 tons of fish estimated dead. Fish pen and seaweed farm damage reported in Manjuyod.
On Oct 31 to Nov 2, 2025, Silliman University (SU), with DENR-Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), local Bantay Dagat. conducted an inter-agency on-site survey plus drone-based GIS mapping, water sampling and biological assessments.
The team found the “spent wash plume” affected between 4,494 and 6,000 hectares of marine and coastal waters of TSPS. Oxygen depletion confirmed in Bais Bay waters. The SU team warned untreated molasses wastewater is “highly polluting and capable of rapidly depleting dissolved oxygen, water discoloration and algal blooms.
Fish pen/seaweed farm operators in Manjuyod reported losses of PHP 1,000 to PHP 1.8 million per operator. The SU team noted risks to coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and the food chain. The strait has 18,000 hectares of coral reef, 5,000 hectares of mangroves, and 14 species of whales and dolphins.
Silliman University called for urgent repair of the lagoon, transparent water quality monitoring, strict compliance with pollution standards, and “full accountability and comprehensive restoration”. They continue to support DENR-NIR with water quality/biological assessments and rehabilitation plans.
Other Pollution Concerns in TSPS reported by Silliman-linked studies include microplastics. A PIDS study cited in relation to TSPS, found “relatively high microplastic occurrence” — 0 to 1.5 items per liter in Tañon Strait water. Sources likely from single-use plastics and packaging.
Reports noted weak regulation of industries in protected seascapes. TSPS is a multiple-use area for fishing and tourism; it has 18,000 hectares of coral reef; 5,000 hectares of mangroves and 14 whale/dolphin species. Spill threatens spawning/nursery grounds.
SU team recommendations
The SU team released these recommendations in their official statement and technical advisories to DENR-Negros Island Region (NIR) which included the immediate and urgent repair of URC lagoon to prevent further discharge.
Water quality monitoring must be transparent and continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen, pH, BOD, and other parameters in Bais Bay and downstream areas. Proper disposal of dead fish to prevent secondary pollution.
For accountability and compliance, the team called URC to be fully accountable, with strict enforcement of pollution standards under the Clean Water Act and TSPS management plan, using SU survey data to guide restoration strategies for TSPS, the country’s largest marine protected area.
Silliman University team continues to support DENR-NIR through technical advisories for science-based rehabilitation and long-term management for affected coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and fisheries, and livelihood support and assistance to affected fishers and seaweed farmers in Manjuyod and Bais.
The inter-agency team is in solidarity with the Silliman assessment team for the continued water quality and biological assessments. SU said this assessment is critical because vinasse "mixes with water and settles in sediment" making it harder to contain than oil.
The damage can be long-term because it affects
the base of the food chain in a protected seascape. SU is still doing follow-up
assessments as of latest reports.
No comments:
Post a Comment