MOA-signing held for Claver seawater quality, coral condition assessment

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 9 -- Government and company officials have signed a memorandum of agreement with partner institutions to undertake an assessment of the seawater quality and coral condition in Barangay Urbiztondo, Claver town, this province. 

The partnership was formalized after Adnama Mining Resources, Inc. (AMRI), one of the mining companies currently operating the area, tapped the expertise of the University of San Carlos Water Resources Center Foundation, Inc. to embark on the assessment of the ambient water quality along the coastal area within the 10-kilometer radius of Barangay Urbiztondo and determine its general water classification as siltation and water discoloration in the area have been an issue for quite a long time. 

“Together with the province of Surigao del Norte, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-13), they will also assess the status of coral reef conditions along the areas and recommend measures to mitigate potential threats or scheme for rehabilitation and identify potential diving site for eco-tourism,” said AMRI Vice President for Legal Affairs lawyer Ulfredo Tuyac. 

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas acknowledged the effort of AMRI in pushing for the environmental agenda. 

Matugas said she has made strong headways in her environmental agenda mainly because of the support of the mining companies, without any strings attached but mainly keeping the shared commitment to give meaning and significance to responsible mining. 

The MOA was signed Aug. 7 between AMRI President Fernando Borja, Gov Matugas, and engineer Charlo Basadre of MGB, engineer Renato Tacubao of EMB and Director Fe Walag of University of San Carlos Water Resources Center Foundation, Inc. (RER/FEA/PIA 13-Surigao del Norte) 

Share: